SEE IT: Wildlife photographer marks International Tiger Day

By Dean Murray via SWNS

A British wildlife photographer known for running twenty marathons in a tiger suit is celebrating July 29's International Tiger Day.

Paul Goldstein, 60, has shared some of his stunning big cat images to mark the occasion.

The Wimbledon-based guide says he saw his first tiger 25 years ago, however he adds: "Six months later this magnificent male had been poached, its body parceled piecemeal to the wet markets of South East Asia, its pelt residing on someone's floor in China."

Since then Paul has embarked on a campaign to bring publicity to their decline and persecution.

He has run twenty marathons in his fabled tiger suit, including the grueling Everest race, considered as the toughest, as well as summiting Kilimanjaro in it.

Paul continues to guide in India, reveling in showing people their first tiger.

"The first glimpse of a Bengal tiger is a defining moment for any wildlife fan, I remember mine in minute detail and it still gives me the chills," he said.

"However, incandescent rage has largely overtaken this elation as I see their persecution.

"Despite a very slight increase in numbers, the tiger has lost three of its species in the 20th century and they are still threatened massively by human encroachment and conflict, and the seemingly insatiable desires of traditional medicine.

A British wildlife photographer known for running twenty marathons in a tiger suit is celebrating International Tiger Day. (Paul Goldstein via SWNS)

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"Many other species like rhino and pangolin are also butchered to satisfy this craven desire."

Paul has raised approaching half a million pounds for projects in and around Bandhavgarh National Park in central India, and says he will keep guiding and raising money and awareness "till he is physically unable to do so."

"With any endangered species it is imperative to make them a meal ticket to local people, they are worth so much more alive than dead on a poachers slab," he adds.