Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Tampa, Fla., announced the arrival of Bandar, a critically endangered male Sumatran tiger joining the park’s diverse collection of more than 200 animal species. Nine-year-old Bandar was transferred from the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, Wash., and is the park’s first Sumatran tiger. In his new habitat, he will join Malayan Tiger, Rukayah, and Bengal Tiger, Zahra, in the Jungala realm of the park.
“Watching Bandar settle into his new home is exciting and inspiring,” said Jenny Mendoza, vice president- zoological for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. “We are very thrilled to provide him with a home for him to thrive, share his story with our guests, and have our zoological facilities serve as a building block for the prosperous future of all tigers.”
Critically endangered Sumatran tigers are on the brink of extinction. With less than 400 known individuals in the wild, Bandar is part of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan®. The mission of the SSP is to cooperatively manage specific species populations within AZA-accredited facilities, such as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, which has successfully managed tiger populations for over five decades.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay guests who are interested in experiencing a unique and up-close look at Bengal, Malayan and Sumatran tigers can purchase a Tiger Insider Tour. The tour allows guests to gain an insider’s perspective of the care of this endangered species in AZA-accredited facilities, as well as a look into the important conservation work being done to preserve wild populations.
Photos Credit: © Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
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