earns her big stripes

Sumatran tiger cub boosts number of this critically endangered species

Meet Menya, the adorable Sumatran tiger who is making a big impact.

She is the result of seven years of hard work by Flamingo Land’s animal carers, who strive to protect critically endangered species.

Thanks to the dedicated breeding programme, the park’s resident tiger pair Bawa and Surya had Menya last August.

She now lives on the park for visitors to see close-up. The word Menya is Indonesian for songbird – which fits because she is always “talking”.

Like all tigers, the cub was born with her eyes shut, but it is now showing off her mesmerising eyes.

The cub’s birth caused a lot of excitement because Sumatran tigers are critically endangered, with as few as 400 left in the world.

MAGNIFICENT

Thanks to Flamingo Land, the world population levels of this magnificent rare species has risen by 1.3 per cent.

Other than in zoos, the tigers are found only on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Their numbers have fallen from around 1,000 in the 1970s, and are continuing to decline.

Three years ago, Bawa and Surya, produced triplets which have now gone on to other collections to start their own families.

PASSION

Resort owner Gordon Gibb said: “Conservation is our passion and the survival of the Sumatran tigers is one of our key missions. Together with our achievements in the field with our Udzungwa Forest Project in Tanzania, we are at the forefront of International Strategic Conservation.

“We are extremely proud of our efforts.”

When she was first pictured, the youngster could do little more than greet the outside world with a yawn in between naps in her secure den, but now the cub has started practising her prowl – and visitors can now see Menya snuggle up for a cuddle and be lavished with licks from her parents.

The tiger family is just one set of animals to see at Flamingo Land.

All together there are 140 other species of mammals, reptiles and birds to enjoy.

Conservation is our passion – the survival of Sumatran tigers is key GORDON GIBB FLAMINGO LAND OWNER