Phoenix Zoo announces debut of Sumatran tiger
The Phoenix Zoo hopes to officially debut Friday a female tiger it received from a facility in Tacoma, Washington, the zoo said Thursday on Facebook.
The zoo’s new addition, named Dari, is a 200 pound, 4-year-old Sumatran tiger from the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, according to the post. She will pair with the zoo’s existing male tiger in the zoo’s exhibit.
Sumatran tigers are the smallest subspecies of tiger in the world and are critically endangered, with only about 400 left in the wild, said Carl Mohler, a senior keeper at the Phoenix Zoo.
Because these tigers originate on the Sumatra Island in Indonesia, they can tolerate the Arizona heat, he said.
“She is doing exceptionally well considering the short time she has been here. Most cats are pretty timid when it comes to new surroundings, but she immediately entered our building and started exploring,” Mohler said. “She has a very inquisitive nature and a curious personality.”
Dari is recommended for breeding by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Sumatran Tiger Species Survival Plan.
“She came here for a couple of reasons, one reason is her job. She is an investor for her species, she is here to show how amazing, beautiful, strong they are,” Mohler said.
“Another reason is she has been paired with our male, Jay, for breeding. It’s important to have them still in existences. We want to make sure they exist for future generations because in the wild they are facing an abundance of issues.”
The zoo staff noted in a statement: “Dari not only has a very sweet demeanor, but she has already begun to explore her new habitat and has settled in very well.”
The Phoenix Zoo opened a new Sumatran tiger exhibit in 2015.