A tiger in town

There’s a new tiger in town. While the big guy has already received a great reception from adoring fans, you can be sure his formidable paws will never touch Death Valley’s gridiron.

Born at an Omaha Zoo in 2003, Intan (which means diamond in Indonesian) came to BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo from the Little Rock Zoo. At the same time, one of BREC’s Malayan female tigers left for Arkansas. A second female tiger is on loan the Alexandria Zoo; and, a third female Malayan female tiger still remains in Baton Rouge. The exchange is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan. The program manages critically endangered species worldwide by contributing to conservation efforts, veterinary care for species-specific diseases and efforts to breed a healthy and genetically diverse population.

So, even though the SSP’s directive comes with tremendous responsibility No species is in need of the AZA’s help more than tigers. With only seven percent of their natural habitat still viable, the popula

So, even though the SSP’s directive comes with tremendous responsibility and requires a lot of work, the Baton Rouge zoo’s staff is delighted to have received approval to breed these beautiful beasts.

“This pair of tigers represents our hope for the species’ future,” says Mary Woods, the zoo’s development director. “Tigers may disappear in the wild forever. If accredited zoos successfully breed tigers, [it] helps add to the overall population; so, [it] is critically important for the species’ survival. It is our honor to care for these animals every single day.

“We are humbled to help in this important mission and encourage everyone to visit the zoo. Your visit helps us care not only for the animals in our Zoo but for their counterparts in the wild.”

If you’re interested in hearing the pitter-patter of feline feet in your own home, these are among the cuddly cats available for adoption through Cat Haven.