James dons Tasmanian tiger stripes to give tourists a smile

The Tasmanian tiger was assumed extinct in the 1930s, but sightings over the years have filled some native animal enthusiasts with hope there may be a few snarling and snapping out there in the deep bush. “It’s about time the Moresby Ranges had a sighting,” said Geraldton grandfather Gordon Wells. Rather than set up camp and bide his time in the sweltering Mid West sun, hoping for a lucky find, Mr Wells decided there was a quicker way. Although he didn’t know his dog James’ breed, referring to him as a “Utakarra special”, he thought he looked similar enough to the elusive animal to pull off an optical illusion. His grandchildren Ruby, 10 and Felix, 5, were up from Dunsborough last week, and that Thursday was James’ 16th birthday. The family decided there was no time like the present. “It’s a fancy dress party,”Mr Wells said. A home-made stencil and a can of L’Oreal root cover-up later and James was transformed. They headed for the hills hoping a tourist would spot their makeshift Australian ‘tiger’. “It’s all just a bit of fun,” Mr Wells said.