Hattiesburg Zoo unveils 'Tigger the tiger' monument

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Hattiesburg Zoo unveiled its new Tigger the Tiger monunment Thursday morning during an unveiling ceremony.

In memory of the late tiger, zoo officials announced its new monument that is set at the center of the zoo in front of the current tiger exhibit.

The Hattiesburg Tourism Commission and local sculptors said they wanted to remember the city's beloved Tigger.

Chairman of the Tourism Commission, Frank James said, "We wanted to do something just to show our appreciation, for one of the biggest attractions at the Hattiesburg Zoo that has gone on to the great beyond."

“We get hundreds of thousands of visitors that come to this city just to see our growing zoo, the zoo has become very popular, it has undergone a lot of renovations, and there is still a lot to come" added James.

Sculptor Christopher Lee said he is happy to take part of Tigger's memorial. "I used to come down here when I was kid..and I used to see Tigger here, and I was excited to make a sculpture" Lee said.

“Yeah it looks great, being in a setting, it really changes the context of it because I have only seen, in the shop where I worked on it" said Lee.

He added, "So being able to see it, with the bamboo, and the stone, it really looks great, it’s a different experience.”

Zoo officials said Tigger was a huge attraction for the city and loved by all.