Permitting Tony the truckstop tiger

After a year and more of challenges to the legality of Tony the truckstop tiger’s residence at the Gross Tete, La., Tiger Truck Stop by animal rights activists, the AP reports the owners have obtained necessary permits from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to keep the tiger. South Carolina-based hauler Kris Ewing took the opportunity of a Christmas run to Laredo to stop in and take a few pictures of Tony and the truckstop (the latter seen here). As he posted to the Truckers News Flickr.com photo-sharing group, “I’m making the best of it during this holiday season. Doesn’t look like I’ll be making it home for Christmas this year. My dispatch sent me on a run to Laredo, Texas, and said they had no guarantee of a return load until Wednesday or Thursday. That’s the way trucking is, I reckon. So, I’m making the best of it.” He was running out of his 70 hours and needed to reset. “Why not at the Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete, La.?” For a look at some of his pictures and more photos from the road, click on his panoramic shot here.