Look at the base of the tree trunk (top left) and you’ll see Zayana’s face looking through. The otters were playing below and she was watching them. It’s great to see the enrichment the tigers get from this interaction (the otters neither knew or cared she was there).
Another outstanding photo my friend, gonna be returning to look at this one many many times in the years ahead its one of those photos that will be timeless and has so much character and interesting detail. Zayana she has certainly become a very interesting Tiger imo and will be following her hopefully very long life with great interest
@steveroberts Thank you! It was a surprise moment that I was in the right place at the right time to see. On previous visits, the tigers have paid the otters no attention; but I guess as the tigers become more settled, they’ve become relaxed enough to observe what’s beyond their exhibit.
As the first female Sumatran tiger imported into Australasia from outside the region since 2008, Zayana will surely be one to follow over the years as she enters motherhood. The team are currently monitoring her cycle to plan for an introduction.
Oh wow so until Zayana arrived at Auckland it had been about 14 years since a Sumatran Tiger had come to our region from outside.
Yeah she must be very settled into her exhibit habitat now thats she is having a curious gaze at what she can see just beyond. Very very impressive set-up for their daily living environment its really uplifiting to see photos of the excellent jungle set-up they have to live in and enjoy.
@steveroberts Yes, the Indonesian triplets were the last imports (in 2008). It was also the first import of a breeding pair (at the same time) since 1979 (Nico and Meta).
New Zealand has previously only imported three times from outside the region - two females in 1993 and 1994 (the second being a replacement for the first, which was killed by her mate); and a male in 2004.
