Indiana Jones actor Harrison Ford joined the Tiger Kids in asking world leaders to save tigers from extinction. Watch the video here!

One steamy morning last June, seventeen kids gathered outside the tiger exhibit at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. They wore tiger ear headbands while decorating tiger posters and sculpting tigers out of clay.

This was no simple arts and crafts project though. The group, nicknamed the Humane Society International Tiger Kids, were there to ask world leaders to save tigers from extinction. Later in the day, the Tiger Kids joined stars like actors Harrison Ford and Robert Duvall and MUTTS cartoonist Patrick McDonnell. Together, they celebrated the launch of the World Bank's Tiger Conservation Initiative.

Bank On It
The Tiger Conservation Initiative is a global effort to save the world's remaining wild tigers from extinction. Through it, the World Bank will work with governments, organizations, and scientists to study tigers and the best ways to save them. The Bank will also support efforts to protect tigers and raise money for tiger conservation.

The World Bank helps developing nations around the world. It provides loans and grants to help countries improve education, health care, technology, and other important systems. The Tiger Conservation Initiative is the first time ever the bank has gotten involved in saving an endangered species.

Robert Zoellick is president of the World Bank. "We need to make sure that in the future, tigers are not only found in zoos," he said, adding, "It's wonderful to see the Tiger Kids taking part."

The Stars' Turn
You might recognize Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones, but he's also known for his work to help wildlife. The actor is on the board of directors of Conservation International, an organization dedicated to protecting all life on Earth. After saying a few words at the event, he met with the Tiger Kids to take photos and sign autographs. He explained that tigers need our help to survive.

MUTTS cartoonist Patrick McDonnell also spoke up about saving tigers from extinction. "They shouldn't be a mythic creature," he said. "They should be one of our fellow beings on the planet." McDonnell created a special series of MUTTS cartoons about tigers. Click here to read one!

Tigers in Trouble: Read more about why tigers need our help!

Read more about tigers here.