In a quiet Orlando suburb, Janice Haley has turned her backyard into an unusual sanctuary for two massive Bengal tigers—treating them with the same affection most reserve for household pets.
While most homeowners envision their gardens as tranquil spots for reading or barbecues, Janice Haley of Orlando, Florida, had a more extraordinary vision. Her backyard is now home to two massive Bengal tigers—Saber, a 600-pound white Bengal male, and Janda, a 400-pound orange Bengal female. The big cats live inside a spacious, specially built enclosure just steps away from her modest suburban home. Janice’s journey with exotic animals began over two decades ago when she decided to leave her job as an administrative assistant to pursue a life spent outdoors.
One day, she stumbled across an ad for a tiger training course in a local newspaper, and her life changed forever. After completing the course, Janice brought home her first tiger cub, Chuffer. That decision sparked a lifelong passion for tiger care. In 2002, she adopted Janda to keep Chuffer company. After Chuffer passed away in 2007, Saber arrived as a two-week-old cub and quickly became a part of the family. Now in her late 50s, Janice spends her days hand-feeding the tigers, petting them, and maintaining a bond with them built on trust and affection.
Saber, in particular, is known for his attachment to Janice—he won’t fall asleep without gently suckling on her finger. Her husband, David, shares in the daily care routine, and together, they treat the tigers with the same tenderness and love most people would show a dog or cat. Pictures show Janice lying beside Janda, hugging Saber, and lovingly stroking their fur—images that challenge perceptions about the boundaries between wild animals and humans. Despite their size and strength, Janice insists that the tigers are calm, well-socialized, and emotionally connected to their caretakers. She views them not as wild threats but as cherished members of the family, deserving of love, respect, and care.
