An International Traveling Exhibition of Endangered Species 
Dedicated to the Children of the World by Calley O'Neill with Rama the Elephant 
AN EPIC JOURNEY OF ART AND SOUL FOR THE EARTH
RAMA: AMBASSADOR FOR THE ENDANGERED ONES
Speaking Passionately on Behalf of Those who Cannot Speak
FARE THEE WELL BELOVED
Melissae:  Progenitors of Life
Melissae:  Progenitors of LifeMelissae:  Progenitors of LifeMelissae:  Progenitors of Life
Melissae:  Progenitors of Life
FARE THEE WELL BELOVED
by Calley O'Neill

Amur Tigers are the largest cats in the world. Well known for their power and strength, Amur tigers live solitary lives in the very harsh climate of the mountainous coniferous forests of Russian Far East, Eastern Manchurian mountain system and parts of North Korea. Fortunately, this far north the human population is lower than in any other tiger habitat; the ecosystem is complete and the forests are vast, allowing extensive natural roaming and hunting grounds.

By the 1940’s, hunting had all but annihilated the Amur Tiger population. There were only 40 tigers remaining in the wild. Russia instituted full protection for the tiger and by the 1980’s, there were about 500 individuals. After the Soviet Union collapsed, poaching increased, yet intensive international conservation efforts have kept the population stable at around 450 individuals. Conservation biologists put it simply. Wild tigers are dying. They are on the brink of extinction, despite millions of dollars spent to save one of the most iconic and beloved animals on Earth.