Twycross Zoo announces the return of critically endangered Sumatran tigers for Summer 2019
We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of two ‘roarsome’ new residents, Jahly and Sialang, a pair of critically endangered Sumatran tigers – and visitors can meet them from Saturday 13th July, the start of the Summer Holidays!
The beautiful big cats, both two years old, will move into separate accommodation in their brand new, state-of-the-art, £multi-million habitat which at 3,000m² is one of the largest purpose built Sumatran tiger habitats in the UK.
Very soon the two will be able to explore their spacious new home which features multiple hot rocks to provide extra comfort and to mimic the warmth of their native Indonesia as well as two outdoor pools, the perfect addition due to the species’ love of water!
With plenty of viewing areas for visitors, a bespoke 15m² glass tunnel will provide the WOW that all visitors want to experience with the chance to see both tigers up close like never before, as they walk around and over so you can see these critically endangered beauties from all angles.
Karen Clarke, Chief Operating Officer at Twycross Zoo, said: “With two years in the planning and 6 months of building works we are very excited to welcome visitors to meet Jahly and Sialang and explore their new habitat this Summer.
“Adding to our More ROAR than EVER before family day out, find out about the current conservation status of Sumatran tigers and how visitors are helping to support their conservation.”
The arrival of Sumatran tigers at Twycross zoo is crucial for the European breeding programme working collaboratively to contribute to preserving the wild population which currently consists of less than 400 individuals left in Sumatra, Indonesia.
The main threats to the wild populations include:
- Poaching for their bones, fur and whiskers for medicine and trophy
- Human-wildlife conflict, where tigers and humans are encroaching areas towards each other
- Habitat loss, due to agricultural land use
- Climate change which affects the movement and location of tiger prey species
According to a survey from TRAFFIC, the global wildlife trade monitoring network, poaching for trade is responsible for over 78% of estimated Sumatran tiger deaths – amounting to at least 40 animals per year.
As a flagship species, Sumatran tigers are a critical part of Sumatra’s eco-system and by working together to help protect the species we can protect lots of other species including the Sumatran orang utan, Siamang, small primates, insects as well as plants.
Dr Sharon Redrobe, CEO of Twycross Zoo added: “We are excited to be bringing back Sumatran tigers after 15 years, a key part of our ambitious £55m Masterplan to become a national conservation organisation and world-class visitor attraction.
“Their arrival, in particular, will strongly highlight the vital work that zoos do for conservation in all corners of the world. By working together as well as with conservation projects in the field, and the support from our visitors through their zoo admission we will be able to contribute to the survival of the species.”
Twycross Zoo is a charity and relies on the generosity and kindness of its visitors to support its ongoing conservation work. To book tickets click here.
