Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris)

Fact File:

• Bengal Tigers are one of the 6 living Tiger sub-species and although the most common, are still classified as 'Endangered' on the IUCN Red List (2008)
  
• We have a male called Tanvir and two female Bengal Tigers (Kushkja and Tira) at Noah's Ark (pure bred to 7 generations, though still technically classed as 'hybrid').We hope to acquire several more adults in the near future.
  
• Tira is due to give birth to cubs this summer and we are looking forward to monitoring the new family.
  
• Our tigers have never lived in the wild and thus must be conserved in captivity.
  
• We have designed and built a large 1 acre custom enclosure, divided into four, to separate individuals as required. Each quarter has its own range of enrichments to enable the animals to use some of the natural climbing and stealth skills they would hone in the wild: these include large pools, tall, branching wooden platforms, rope balls, trees and long grass.
  
• There is the possibility of conducting our own observational research on the tiger population once it has established itself over the coming months and years- this could include feeding habits, reproductive strategy and any behavioural changes associated with visitors.

Why are Bengal Tigers endangered?

Tigers have been severely affected by human interference in their natural habitats; habitat fragmentation is the single biggest threat to Bengals (brought about by poor relations between man and Tiger). Small, isolated populations of tigers are more easily targeted by hunting and are at greater risk of extinction: this is a reality which has already resulted in the loss of 2 tiger sub-species (the Balinese & Javan).

How can we help?

Much work is being done to raise awareness about and mediate in the plight of Tigers; the WWF in particular take an active role here.

Several projects are running in India and Bangladesh (two of the main home ranges of the Bengal) to work with local farmers and villagers to discourage further hunting through education and to help produce an environment where both people and tigers can co-exist in a sustainable fashion.

We believe that having a captive group of Tigers here at Noah's Ark will mean our visitors can get a better appreciation of the animals uniqueness and experience their powerful presence. At the same time this may encourage them to learn from our informative posters and Keeper Talks and hopefully go home with a desire to contribute with time or money to related projects or initiatives.