MARWELL Zoo is hoping that an international campaign to save tigers in the wild will be a roaring success.

During the last century, three out of eight sub-species of tiger have been wiped out and the wild population has fallen from 100,000 to around 5,000.

The park, near Winchester, is throwing its weight behind the initiative, which is being supported by zoos across Europe for the second year running.

The money raised will go directly to nine wild tiger projects in Russia, Indonesia, Thailand and India.

Marwell has three Amur tigers, Yenna, Gamin and Ivan, a species which has declined to a perilous level in the wild.

The zoo has organised a special Tiger Safari on Friday, July 16 to raise funds for the campaign.

The evening starts at 6pm with a Pimms reception, followed by a guided tour including an opportunity to watch the tigers being fed.

The evening will finish with a barbecue on the lawn. For more details, or to book, ring 01962 777936.

In addition to the Tiger Safari, Marwell is running a Team Tiger Summer Camp for children in August to raise awareness of their plight.

Details from the Marwell Education department on 01962 777835.