Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a message of greetings to participants in Tiger Day celebrations, the President’s website says.

He wrote that for 15 years now, Tiger Day, one of the most remarkable environmental festivals in Russia, has been bringing together those who care about the future of this beautiful carnivore, those who love wildlife and strive to live in harmony with it, protect it and thereby create a healthy environment for themselves and for future generations.

Mr Putin emphasised, in particular, the importance of those for whom protecting tigers is a daily job. “Park rangers, zoologists, staff of nature preserves and parks – you all made a conscientious choice to work here; you all sincerely care about the common cause. The gradual growth of the tiger population in Russia is your achievement,” the President wrote.