The proceeds from the sale of a stuffed tiger s head from the 1930s at a Dunmow auction house were handed over to Linton Zoo last week. The sale, which was featured on the front page of the Dunmow Broadcast March 22 edition, raised £1150 when it was sold

The proceeds from the sale of a stuffed tiger's head from the 1930s at a Dunmow auction house were handed over to Linton Zoo last week.

The sale, which was featured on the front page of the Dunmow Broadcast March 22 edition, raised £1150 when it was sold by Mullucks Wells in March with the promise that the money would be used to help protect wild tigers in the Russian Far East.

Both the owner of the item and the auctioneers Mullucks Wells have donated the proceeds of the sale to Linton Zoo's Conservation Fund. The cheque was presented to Zoo director Kim Simmons at Linton Zoo by Mullucks Wells director William Wells last Monday June 4.

Mr Wells said: "Unfortunately, hunting wild animals in days gone by led to some species being wiped out altogether. We wanted to make sure that the sale of a tiger head from the past helps to prevent a similar fate happening to other wild tigers in the future."

Ms Simmons said: "We're thrilled that our charity has been selected to receive such a substantial sum.

"The money will help pay for rangers, equipment and anti-poaching patrols in Russia, and most importantly, and every penny will go directly to the cause, without anything being spent on administration."

Linton Zoo currently has four tigers in their collection - breeding pair Deja and Mirko and year-old cubs Katinka and Makari, both of whom will shortly be sent to another zoo as part of an international breeding programme.

Mr Wells added: "These are beautiful animals, much better alive than as a trophy mounted on a plaque. We wanted to do all we could to help put a stop to such senseless activity in the years to come."

Ms Simmons agreed saying: "This poor tiger lost its life more than 70 years ago. But at least the money raised will help others of the species. We need to look after our fragile planet, and still have lots more work to do, to secure safe future for these magnificent animals.