Jonas the Tiger, Future Star of ‘Life of Pi’, Makes Himself At Home At Zoo Employee’s Home in 2008

Kevin Thatcher, an employee of Bowmanville Zoo in Ontario, Canada, shot this 2008 video of an active 7-month tiger named Jonas making himself at home in Kevin’s home.

After a day of work I or some other employee of the zoo would take him home for the night so he could continue to eat every 3-4 hours and have enriching activities [which] all babies need. After I fed him I then fed myself and had a beer in my house…He has tried to eat my pizza before and did not like it but like all stubborn babies he has to see for himself every time.

Jonas’ friendly nature due to early socialization with humans landed him a major part in the film, The Life of Pi. Sadly, Jonas passed away in 2011 at the age of four due to complications from a previously undiagnosed birth defect.

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.