Australasian Sumatran Tiger Population

[Tiger91]

Taronga Zoo are very proud of their Sumatran tiger dynasty as they often refer to it, with Nico and Meta being the most prolific founder pair in the region.

It would have been really interesting to see how things would have panned out had they imported the pair from Rangunan Zoo, who would supposedly only be loaned to Taronga Zoo for five years. I imagine a flurry of breeding recommendations would have followed, with them welcoming three litters in succession - which would have then been dispersed to other zoos within the region. Presumably, one of them would have remained at Taronga (and a Nico/Meta descendant sourced); but that pair would have effectively become the Nico and Meta of the modern age.

Yes it would have been quite interesting to have seen that happen.

Something like that is what Melbourne should invest in when their tigers die out. The region needs new genetics. It would be a good way to do it. And if the tigers were not suited to being on display/hard to see in there exhibits. They eventually go back.

Aucklands pair could become the new Nico/meta.

 

[Zoofan15]

Yes it would have been quite interesting to have seen that happen.

Something like that is what Melbourne should invest in when their tigers die out. The region needs new genetics. It would be a good way to do it. And if the tigers were not suited to being on display/hard to see in there exhibits. They eventually go back.

Melbourne Zoo would be ideal for this. They’re internationally recognised as one of Australia’s most prestigious zoos and would have the resources to potentially undertake this. The complex in TOTE is equipped to manage breeding; but the exhibit in the Carnivores precinct further increases their holding capacity.

When a litter is around 12 months of age, the tigress will usually be keen for them to move on unless contraception is applied again. Melbourne could move the litter to the exhibit in the Carnivores precinct to live together for another 12 months (to refine social skills with their siblings) before dispersing to other zoos. This would easily allow for the production of three litters in five years, with a three to six month introduction period and each litter remaining with the mother for a minimum of 12 months.

Aucklands pair could become the new Nico/meta.

Yes, the keeper I spoke to said a second breeding recommendation would be expected unless Zayana had a large first litter. It wouldn’t surprise me to see her have a second litter within the next three years, with the tigers at Taronga, Orana and potentially Australia Zoo being strong candidates imo for receiving mates for their tigers.

 

[Jambo]

Melbourne Zoo would be ideal for this. They’re internationally recognised as one of Australia’s most prestigious zoos and would have the resources to potentially undertake this. The complex in TOTE is equipped to manage breeding; but the exhibit in the Carnivores precinct further increases their holding capacity.

When a litter is around 12 months of age, the tigress will usually be keen for them to move on unless contraception is applied again. Melbourne could move the litter to the exhibit in the Carnivores precinct to live together for another 12 months (to refine social skills with their siblings) before dispersing to other zoos. This would easily allow for the production of three litters in five years, with a three to six month introduction period and each litter remaining with the mother for a minimum of 12 months.

Following the deaths of Hutan and Indrah, I would be very surprised if Melbourne don't acquire a breeding pair again. An overseas pair would be very beneficial, and Melbourne have the connections worldwide to be able to do this.

Melbourne arguably have the best facilities for breeding in the whole region in regards to holding space, although Taronga is probably close. The Carnivores trail enclosure would be perfect for young sub adult tigers and they would also liven up the exhibit a lot, compared to having a solitary tiger there.

 

[Zoofan15]

Following the deaths of Hutan and Indrah, I would be very surprised if Melbourne don't acquire a breeding pair again. An overseas pair would be very beneficial, and Melbourne have the connections worldwide to be able to do this.

Melbourne arguably have the best facilities for breeding in the whole region in regards to holding space, although Taronga is probably close. The Carnivores trail enclosure would be perfect for young sub adult tigers and they would also liven up the exhibit a lot, compared to having a solitary tiger there.

I agree. Both exhibits are greatly under-utilised by the single ageing tigers they house and while I was lucky to get some good views of Indrah, it appears the average visitor see very little of either. A young sibling group in the Carnivores precinct would be far more engaging; with a family group/breeding pair in TOTE.

I hope the initiative if taken to import from overseas. Taronga bred with the acceptance they’d house the offspring long term (they’re still there five years on); and Adelaide have stated plans to do the same (with a third tiger exhibit). While Melbourne could follow suit, I’d much rather see them breed cubs from an imported pair that will be desired for use within the breeding programme and transfer out (allowing the breeding of a second litter). After all, the aim should be to breed cubs with genetic value, not breed for the sake of having a litter of cubs.

 

[Zoofan15]

Auckland Zoo - Cub Update

Auckland Zoo’s cubs have been sexed as a male and a female:

Two-week health check confirms sexes of Auckland Zoo’s new tiger cubs! | Auckland Zoo

Great news for creating future pairings in the region!

The female would be a great match for either Reggie (2016) at Orana or Pemanah (2019) at Taronga; while the male could be paired with several females in the region including the young females at Australia Zoo, Adelaide Zoo and Taronga Zoo.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Auckland Zoo - Cub Update

Auckland Zoo’s cubs have been sexed as a male and a female:

Two-week health check confirms sexes of Auckland Zoo’s new tiger cubs! | Auckland Zoo

Great news for creating future pairings in the region!

The female would be a great match for either Reggie (2016) at Orana or Pemanah (2019) at Taronga; while the male could be paired with several females in the region including the young females at Australia Zoo, Adelaide Zoo and Taronga Zoo.

This is excellent news, for both Auckland Zoo and the international breeding programme! I'm eagerly awaiting updates, either for a naming announcement or naming competition.

 

[Zoofan15]

This is excellent news, for both Auckland Zoo and the international breeding programme! I'm eagerly awaiting updates, either for a naming announcement or naming competition.

Hamilton Zoo will also be undertaking a health check soon, which will confirm the gender of their twins.

I imagine both zoos will conduct naming competitions, hopefully with some degree of coordination so we don’t end up with both zoos naming their twins Berani and Melati (two of the most overused tiger names).

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Hamilton Zoo will also be undertaking a health check soon, which will confirm the gender of their twins.

I imagine both zoos will conduct naming competitions, hopefully with some degree of coordination so we don’t end up with both zoos naming their twins Berani and Melati (two of the most overused tiger names).

It'll be interesting to see what genders the Hamilton twins are, and how they, as well as Auckland, will go about naming (Hamilton seems to go with naming competitions that allow voters to pick from several pre-selected names, which is what they did with the two young chimpanzees). And yes, I do hope that there will be some co-ordination between the two zoos, so we don't get doubled-up names.

I doubt Auckland Zoo will use Berani, as that name was given to a previous tiger born there - I think one of the last litter of cubs born in 2008? Interestingly, Berani and Melati also seem to be popular names for orangutans. Tangentially, I always wondered, if Melur bore a daughter, if that infant might be given the name Melati. Melur's mother is named Yasmin, and Melur is the Malay version of that name (meaning jasmine flower). Melati is the Indonesian word for jasmine.

 

[Zoofan15]

It'll be interesting to see what genders the Hamilton twins are, and how they, as well as Auckland, will go about naming (Hamilton seems to go with naming competitions that allow voters to pick from several pre-selected names, which is what they did with the two young chimpanzees). And yes, I do hope that there will be some co-ordination between the two zoos, so we don't get doubled-up names.

I doubt Auckland Zoo will use Berani, as that name was given to a previous tiger born there - I think one of the last litter of cubs born in 2008? Interestingly, Berani and Melati also seem to be popular names for orangutans. Tangentially, I always wondered, if Melur bore a daughter, if that infant might be given the name Melati. Melur's mother is named Yasmin, and Melur is the Malay version of that name (meaning jasmine flower). Melati is the Indonesian word for jasmine.

Yes, Auckland Zoo’s last litter was Jalur, Berani and Cinta so I’d be surprised if we saw any of those names reused.

There’s been five double ups to date:

Berani (2000) and Berani (2008)
Dumai (2003) and Dumai (2003)
Satu (2003) and Satu (2006)
Rahni (2007) and Rani (2010)
Kembali (2011) and Kembali (2014)

I’ll note Satu and Dumai were excusable as one of each was imported from Europe.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Yes, Auckland Zoo’s last litter was Jalur, Berani and Cinta so I’d be surprised if we saw any of those names reused.

There’s been five double ups to date:

Berani (2000) and Berani (2008)
Dumai (2003) and Dumai (2003)
Satu (2003) and Satu (2006)
Rahni (2007) and Rani (2010)
Kembali (2011) and Kembali (2014)

I’ll note Satu and Dumai were excusable as one of each was imported from Europe.

In that case, even though freeform naming competitions are fun, perhaps having a vote from pre-selected names would be the way to go if the zoos decide to go with a naming competition rather than assigning names. That would make it easier to co-ordinate.

 

[Abbey]

It'll be interesting to see what genders the Hamilton twins are, and how they, as well as Auckland, will go about naming (Hamilton seems to go with naming competitions that allow voters to pick from several pre-selected names, which is what they did with the two young chimpanzees). And yes, I do hope that there will be some co-ordination between the two zoos, so we don't get doubled-up names.

I doubt Auckland Zoo will use Berani, as that name was given to a previous tiger born there - I think one of the last litter of cubs born in 2008? Interestingly, Berani and Melati also seem to be popular names for orangutans. Tangentially, I always wondered, if Melur bore a daughter, if that infant might be given the name Melati. Melur's mother is named Yasmin, and Melur is the Malay version of that name (meaning jasmine flower). Melati is the Indonesian word for jasmine.

That's beautiful the connection between Melur's name and her mother, Yasmin's.

I'm surprised there aren't more orangutans named Merah (Indonesian for 'red'), although I believe one of the hybrids born at Perth back in the day was given that name.

My pick for the female cub would be Dua, which is Indonesian for 'two' - the cubs were born on January 2, they're twins, there were two litters born a day apart in NZ, they are the second (surviving) litter at Auckland Zoo.

 

[Zoofan15]

My pick for the female cub would be Dua, which is Indonesian for 'two' - the cubs were born on January 2, they're twins, there were two litters born a day apart in NZ, they are the second (surviving) litter at Auckland Zoo.

That’s a great connection!

A few of my favourites (for cubs from both litters) are:

Banyu (water)
Cerah (radiant) - a link to Kirana, whose name means similar
Kadek (second) - perfect for a male twin
Toba (lake in Indonesia)
Vikal (twilight)

Toba has been used once before on a tigress who briefly lived at Wellington Zoo until being killed by her mate in 1993.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

That's beautiful the connection between Melur's name and her mother, Yasmin's.

I'm surprised there aren't more orangutans named Merah (Indonesian for 'red'), although I believe one of the hybrids born at Perth back in the day was given that name.

My pick for the female cub would be Dua, which is Indonesian for 'two' - the cubs were born on January 2, they're twins, there were two litters born a day apart in NZ, they are the second (surviving) litter at Auckland Zoo.

Yes, I've always loved the connection between Melur's name and her mother's. Merah is a lovely name and I too have wondered why it isn't used much.

Dua would be a good name for the female cub, for all the reasons you've outlined. I do like the name. Perhaps Baru, meaning "new" would be a good name for the male, since the cubs were born shortly after the New Year?

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

That’s a great connection!

A few of my favourites (for cubs from both litters) are:

Banyu (water)
Cerah (radiant) - a link to Kirana, whose name means similar
Kadek (second) - perfect for a male twin
Toba (lake in Indonesia)
Vikal (twilight)

Toba has been used once before on a tigress who briefly lived at Wellington Zoo until being killed by her mate in 1993.

Those are some lovely names you've thought of there, @Zoofan15 ! Some names that I might like to see include:

Bintang (star) -
Bumi (earth)
Langit (sky)
Garang (fierce)
Harta (treasure)
Putri (princess)
Sayang (darling)
Medan (place in Sumatra)
Riau (place in Sumatra)

 

[Zoofan15]

Dua would be a good name for the female cub, for all the reasons you've outlined. I do like the name. Perhaps Baru, meaning "new" would be a good name for the male, since the cubs were born shortly after the New Year?

I also really like the name Kerinci for a female cub. It’s the name of a national park and the highest volcano in Indonesia. I feel the name borders on retired number status within North American zoos (Kerinci being a famous tigress at the National Zoo); but it would be novel within Australasia.

Retired numbers:

What Sumatran tiger names do we feel have retired number (GOAT/hall of fame) status within Australasia?

I would consider the top candidates (listed in order of birth):

0.1 Meta (1975-1990) - founding female, most litters
1.0 Nico (1976-1990) - founding male, most litters
1.0 Shiva (1985-2002) - 90’s media star
1.0 Jambi (1988-2001) - tragic death
0.1 Selatan (1990-2012) - 90’s media star
0.1 Kemiri (1994-2017) - 90’s media star, record holder
0.1 Nisha (1996-2006) - internationally recognised
0.1 Mencari (2000-2023) - record holder (world’s oldest tiger)

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I also really like the name Kerinci for a female cub. It’s the name of a national park and the highest volcano in Indonesia. I feel the name borders on retired number status within North American zoos (Kerinci being a famous tigress at the National Zoo); but it would be novel within Australasia.

Retired numbers:

What Sumatran tiger names do we feel have retired number (GOAT/hall of fame) status within Australasia?

I would consider the top candidates (listed in order of birth):

0.1 Meta (1975-1990) - founding female, most litters
1.0 Nico (1976-1990) - founding male, most litters
1.0 Shiva (1985-2002) - 90’s media star
1.0 Jambi (1988-2001) - tragic death
0.1 Selatan (1990-2012) - 90’s media star
0.1 Kemiri (1994-2017) - 90’s media star, record holder
0.1 Nisha (1996-2006) - internationally recognised
0.1 Mencari (2000-2023) - record holder (world’s oldest tiger)

Kerinci would be a great name to bring to Australasia. It is a beautiful and fitting name for a tigress.

As to retired number status, I would add Oz to that list. Both for the positive reason of his status as a regional founder, and further use may be inappropriate because of his later notoriety (involvement in the Hamilton Zoo tragedy).

 

[Zoofan15]

As to retired number status, I would add Oz to that list. Both for the positive reason of his status as a regional founder, and further use may be inappropriate because of his later notoriety (involvement in the Hamilton Zoo tragedy).

Good point. The same could be said for Nico and Meta, who were involved in the tragic death of Victoria Scrivener at Taronga Zoo in December 1988. It was before I was even born and my association with them as regional founders comes to mind first and foremost; but it could certainly be considered a mark of respect to an equally extraordinary and much-respected keeper and for those the names could evoke an association to the event.

It’s sad the life of Nico and Meta’s son, Jambi (a newborn cub when the incident occurred), was tied to a second and third tragedy - with him being the only Sumatran tiger in the region to kill their mate; and then his own untimely death in 2001 after eating contaminated meat.

 

[Abbey]

Those are some lovely names you've thought of there, @Zoofan15 ! Some names that I might like to see include:

Bintang (star) -
Bumi (earth)
Langit (sky)
Garang (fierce)
Harta (treasure)
Putri (princess)
Sayang (darling)
Medan (place in Sumatra)
Riau (place in Sumatra)

I also really like the name Kerinci for a female cub. It’s the name of a national park and the highest volcano in Indonesia. I feel the name borders on retired number status within North American zoos (Kerinci being a famous tigress at the National Zoo); but it would be novel within Australasia.

Retired numbers:

What Sumatran tiger names do we feel have retired number (GOAT/hall of fame) status within Australasia?

I would consider the top candidates (listed in order of birth):

0.1 Meta (1975-1990) - founding female, most litters
1.0 Nico (1976-1990) - founding male, most litters
1.0 Shiva (1985-2002) - 90’s media star
1.0 Jambi (1988-2001) - tragic death
0.1 Selatan (1990-2012) - 90’s media star
0.1 Kemiri (1994-2017) - 90’s media star, record holder
0.1 Nisha (1996-2006) - internationally recognised
0.1 Mencari (2000-2023) - record holder (world’s oldest tiger)

Fascinating conversation!

Given it's meaning and being a term of endearment, I'm surprised that Sayang isn't used more. Maybe it's an option for Perth with their S line of orangutans, although it was used at Adelaide for one of the late Karta's infants, who died a few days after birth.

Kemiri is one of Taronga's current (male) binturongs, and while there's a difference between a female tiger in the 90s from Sydney and a male binturong in the 2020s from Perth, I do think of the tiger every time I hear the name.

 

[Zoofan15]

Fascinating conversation!

Given it's meaning and being a term of endearment, I'm surprised that Sayang isn't used more. Maybe it's an option for Perth with their S line of orangutans, although it was used at Adelaide for one of the late Karta's infants, who died a few days after birth.

Kemiri is one of Taronga's current (male) binturongs, and while there's a difference between a female tiger in the 90s from Sydney and a male binturong in the 2020s from Perth, I do think of the tiger every time I hear the name.

Kemiri:

Kemiri enjoyed a very high profile, especially in her first year of life. Her birth was much anticipated, with articles reporting on Shiva and Selatan’s road to parenthood, which was complicated by Selatan’s irregular cycles. The announcement of Selatan’s pregnancy was a momentous occasion, being the first anticipated birth of Sumatran tiger cubs at Taronga Zoo in six years; and the first in Australia since Selatan had been born four years prior.

Even the stillbirth of her twin brother or the removal of Kemiri for hand raising did little to dampen spirits; with the overall mood being that of celebration Kemiri had survived. She was named by the wife of the then New South Wales Premier in a ceremony held at the zoo.

I thought of Kemiri recently when Zayana’s first pregnancy at Auckland Zoo had the same outcome as Selatan’s in 1994, with one cub being stillborn. Allowing nature to take its course is now recognised as the best welfare policy and so no intervention occurred. Had the same practice been applied to Selatan (whose milk had dried up), it’s clear Kemiri wouldn’t have survived. No judgement of either zoo/policy, merely an observation.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Good point. The same could be said for Nico and Meta, who were involved in the tragic death of Victoria Scrivener at Taronga Zoo in December 1988. It was before I was even born and my association with them as regional founders comes to mind first and foremost; but it could certainly be considered a mark of respect to an equally extraordinary and much-respected keeper and for those the names could evoke an association to the event.

It’s sad the life of Nico and Meta’s son, Jambi (a newborn cub when the incident occurred), was tied to a second and third tragedy - with him being the only Sumatran tiger in the region to kill their mate; and then his own untimely death in 2001 after eating contaminated meat.

Certainly, names associated with tragedy should be avoided going forward. I am personally hoping to see some names for the Auckland and Hamilton cubs that have never been used before in the region, bringing a sense ot uniqueness to their arrival.