London Zoo's Streak for Tigers sees hundreds of naked runners painted as big cats to raise money for

OODLES of tricksy tiger lovers stripped off and ran starkers around London Zoo to raise funds for the endangered big cats.

The cheeky feline fans took part in the zoo's Streak for Tigers event yesterday evening, draped only in orange or black paint.

Nearly 200 runners who took part raised an incredible £28,000 for the big cats last night.

All funds raised will go towards the Zoological Society London's conservation work in protecting the endangered felines.

Sumatran tigers are currently at severe risk from deforestation and poachers in Indonesia.

People were encouraged to cover themselves in their own stripes or don a tiger costume.

The zoo had closed to visitors before the risque runners took to the starting line.

Outlining the rules, the zoo said on its website: "Nudity is encouraged for all participants."

Each naturist was encouraged to raise at least £150 ahead of the nudity night.

But taking a no nonsense approach, the zoo added: "Any inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated."

Sumatran tigers are currently battling human expansion. 

In 1978, experts estimated the tiger population to be around 1,000.

Today, fewer than 400 Sumatran tigers exist according to the World Wildlife Federation.

Tigers are crucial to their environments as they provide other species with safe habitats.

But the global world tiger population has dramatically declined in recent years.

The WWF said on their website: "Protecting tigers and their habitat means many other species benefit—including humans."

Last month, the UK-based Environment Investigation Agency (EIA) revealed lion parts had been sold as "fake tiger products" in China and south east Asia.

Tiger bones are said to be of medicinal value, but China's export ban encouraged rogue traders to develop fake markets.

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James Wren, Fundraising Director at ZSL praised the efforts to support the endangered species.

He said: “Over the last five years, ZSL’s annual fundraiser, Streak for Tigers has had over 1,000 fearless fundraisers take part, raising nearly £200,000 for our global tiger conservation projects including Sumatra, Nepal and Russia.

"We’re thrilled to hold such an unusual event, and that so many big cat fans dare to bare all to help us protect endangered species.”

The ZSL will use the £28,000 with contributions to develop their projects around the world.

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