I am traveling to India and I was wondering whether I could bring a
newborn to 1 year old tiger with me.  The tiger should weigh less than
20 pds when I wish to transport it.  My Question is whether I can take
a tiger with me on a basic international flight.  If not, then how
could I transport my animal.  What is the least expensive way to do
this.  Is there a particular airline that lets you travelk with your
animal.  Also, I live in the state of MD and I also wanted to know
what I would have to do to keep this animal in my home, as a pet.  DO
i need a permit, zoning, etc.  Also immigration laws.

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Request for Question Clarification by bobbie7-ga on 31 Jan 2006 14:04 PST

Does this answer your question?

MD Bill to Prohibit Certain Wild Animals as Pets  
Included in this category are tigers and lions (large cats/carnivores), 
Currently there is a prohibition on importing large cats such as tigers and lions.
http://www.hsus.org/legislation_laws/state_legislation/maryland/md_wild_animal_pets.html

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Clarification of Question by vberg2000-ga on 01 Feb 2006 13:22 PST

WEll then can you tell me how I can do it.  What states allow me to
inport a tiger and what country's allow the export of tigers.

India prohibits the capture and export of tigers.

My husband and I are involved with an organization which provides
rehabilitiation and refuge to many wild animals that people have
mistakenly tried to make into pets (sometimes with tragic and fatal
consequences). I urge you to reconsider your plans. Real live tigers
are not cute stuffed toys. They are complex and willful beings whose
needs and desires may often be contrary to your own. Raising a tiger
requires an immense amount of time, money, dedication, and space.

I agree with them. There are too many what ifs. I too had dreams, only
of a Black panther. After much research I chose an African Serval and
chose to breed really cool Hybrids that anyone can own, feed and
house. It is why I do creat hybrids, to offer an alternative to those
who feel the call of the wild.

Tigers are an "endangered species", protected under the CITES
agreement that makes it illegal to capture, kill, export or import the
animals or their parts.
http://www.fws.gov/species/species_accounts/bio_tige.html