Australasian Sumatran Tiger Population

[Steve Robinson]

There aren’t many bengals/hybrids still being bred so I don’t quite see that being an issue. At the present time we have three litters within the last 18 months with potentially more soon (at Auckland). That’s more than enough tiger cubs as it is to satisfy the desire for new tigers by regional zoos.

Please keep in mind that our region is obligated to send young tigers back to the US.
That obligation is currently taking precedence over the allocation of tigers to privately owned zoos.
The SC has not identified any tigers anywhere in the world that can be imported by any privately owned zoo.

 

[Zoofan15]

Please keep in mind that our region is obligated to send young tigers back to the US.
That obligation is currently taking precedence over the allocation of tigers to privately owned zoos.
The SC has not identified any tigers anywhere in the world that can be imported by any privately owned zoo.

The offspring of Kaitlyn (founder from Indonesia) would be the most desirable of our un-paired tigers from a North American perspective.

1.0 Nelson (03/06/2019) Ranu x Kaitlyn
1.0 Malcolm (18/02/2020) Ranu x Kaitlyn
0.1 Sallie (18/02/2020) Ranu x Kaitlyn
0.1 Sage (18/02/2020) Ranu x Kaitlyn

Not sure how likely it is they would be exported now though considering their age (4-5 years). Auckland’s imports were originally scheduled when their tigers were 2-3 years (to maximise their reproductive potential).

 

[Jambo]

Please keep in mind that our region is obligated to send young tigers back to the US.
That obligation is currently taking precedence over the allocation of tigers to privately owned zoos.
The SC has not identified any tigers anywhere in the world that can be imported by any privately owned zoo.

Interesting you mention that. Is there a reason for this? Usually you’d expect something like this for offspring of imported individuals (ie. some of the offspring are designated to return), but we only have one US bred pair in the region at the moment.

 

[Tiger91]

Interesting you mention that. Is there a reason for this? Usually you’d expect something like this for offspring of imported individuals (ie. some of the offspring are designated to return), but we only have one US bred pair in the region at the moment.

My guess would be the fact they are managed on a global program or our original tigers came from the US. and we are still part of an of shoot of there program. Even tho ZAA is listed as a regionally managed population cooperating with the global management plan.


While there isnt many bengal tigers here, they are easily imported. And unless we breed enough sumatrans that create a surplus, that program managers deem to many like we seen a decade or so ago. Where older tigers were dispersed out into private regional zoos. They wont be able to acquire Sumatrans and will import what is available and breed from there. Reducing sumatran holders.

 

[Zoofan15]

My guess would be the fact they are managed on a global program or our original tigers came from the US. and we are still part of an of shoot of there program. Even tho ZAA is listed as a regionally managed population cooperating with the global management plan.


While there isnt many bengal tigers here, they are easily imported. And unless we breed enough sumatrans that create a surplus, that program managers deem to many like we seen a decade or so ago. Where older tigers were dispersed out into private regional zoos. They wont be able to acquire Sumatrans and will import what is available and breed from there. Reducing sumatran holders.

That makes sense. It also stands to reason it’d be a mutually beneficial exchange where we receive tigers that are of value to us; while sending them tigers that are of value to them (namely descendants of the Indonesian imports, which are unrepresented in North America).

It’s a shame to see zoos importing and breeding generics due to a lack of availability of Sumatrans. I’d have thought repeat breeding recommendations would be granted to satisfy the demand; but I guess supplying private zoos is not deemed a priority of the programme and has previously been more of a consequence of having an abundance of young tigers (namely the 2006-2011 baby boom).

 

[Tiger91]

That makes sense. It also stands to reason it’d be a mutually beneficial exchange where we receive tigers that are of value to us; while sending them tigers that are of value to them (namely descendants of the Indonesian imports, which are unrepresented in North America).

It’s a shame to see zoos importing and breeding generics due to a lack of availability of Sumatrans. I’d have thought repeat breeding recommendations would be granted to satisfy the demand; but I guess supplying private zoos is not deemed a priority of the programme and has previously been more of a consequence of having an abundance of young tigers (namely the 2006-2011 baby boom).

My guess would be zoos would have to do what taronga did, breed outside of a recommendation, With the intention of housing the young. Then move the young into housing at the private zoo. Its why i would be surprised to see adelaide have another litter, Although the tigers are not genetically viable for the program. They would then be surplus and open to being placed in private institutions. Adelaide get the revenue from extra cubs and a private zoo gets tigers.


I may be completely of but thats how i would foresee it happening. When taronga pair of one of there young cubs, i can see the two others being transferred out to private zoos. Due to the fact they were bred outside of recomendation and only have limited use.

 

[Zoofan15]

My guess would be zoos would have to do what taronga did, breed outside of a recommendation, With the intention of housing the young. Then move the young into housing at the private zoo. Its why i would be surprised to see adelaide have another litter, Although the tigers are not genetically viable for the program. They would then be surplus and open to being placed in private institutions. Adelaide get the revenue from extra cubs and a private zoo gets tigers.


I may be completely of but thats how i would foresee it happening. When taronga pair of one of there young cubs, i can see the two others being transferred out to private zoos. Due to the fact they were bred outside of recomendation and only have limited use.

I know Hamilton Zoo are giving serious consideration to building a third Sumatran tiger exhibit, so that could explain why their pair received a breeding recommendation. It otherwise seemed like a pointless pairing as per their siblings breeding at Adelaide.

I believe breeding recommendations are still required for any cubs bred though. I’m sure Clarence was sent to Taronga with breeding in mind given how quickly he was paired with Kartika.

 

[Jambo]

I know Hamilton Zoo are giving serious consideration to building a third Sumatran tiger exhibit, so that could explain why their pair received a breeding recommendation. It otherwise seemed like a pointless pairing as per their siblings breeding at Adelaide.

I believe breeding recommendations are still required for any cubs bred though. I’m sure Clarence was sent to Taronga with breeding in mind, especially given how quickly he was paired with Kartika.

Yes breeding recommendations are required (at least to my knowledge). Even if the zoo reckons they have space to breed and breed without a recommendation, that space might be designated for some other individuals elsewhere.

Breeding is only conducted once space opens up at another facility; so in the case of the recent cubs at Hamilton there’d already be a designated location for them somewhere (either at Hamilton or elsewhere).

 

[Zoofan15]

Yes breeding recommendations are required (at least to my knowledge). Even if the zoo reckons they have space to breed and breed without a recommendation, that space might be designated for some other individuals elsewhere.

Breeding is only conducted once space opens up at another facility; so in the case of the recent cubs at Hamilton there’d already be a designated location for them somewhere (either at Hamilton or elsewhere).

Placements before a cub is even born is a term often thrown around despite anybody you ask saying they have no idea where the cub is headed until it’s at least three years old. This could be due to how quickly plans change. Wellington’s male cub from their 1996 was supposed to go to Melbourne Zoo originally.

While breeding recommendations are given, the litter size is often variable. A role in the breeding programme might only be there for 1-2 cubs and then a curveball is thrown when quads are born/survive!

 

[Jambo]

Placements before a cub is even born is a term often thrown around despite anybody you ask saying they have no idea where the cub is headed until it’s at least three years old. This could be due to how quickly plans change. Wellington’s male cub from their 1996 was supposed to go to Melbourne Zoo originally.

While breeding recommendations are given, the litter size is often variable. A role in the breeding programme might only be there for 1-2 cubs and then a curveball is thrown when quads are born/survive!

Usually there's a facility or facilities in mind, but as you say, there's never no absolute confirmation as to a destination due to plans quickly changing which is the norm within the industry.

I'd imagine the facility breeding themselves will also have to provide space for any surplus individuals in the case you mention where more cubs are born than expected. Melbourne was never going to have Ramalon and Binjai breed again after their last litter in 2010, and were only given a repeat recommendation following the death of Nakal as Binjai's a valuable female. The fact they had four cubs was probably worse case scenario, and Melbourne have had to retain two cubs long term as a result.

 

[Zoofan15]

Usually there's a facility or facilities in mind, but as you say, there's never no absolute confirmation as to a destination due to plans quickly changing which is the norm within the industry.

I'd imagine the facility breeding themselves will also have to provide space for any surplus individuals in the case you mention where more cubs are born than expected. Melbourne was never going to have Ramalon and Binjai breed again after their last litter in 2010, and were only given a repeat recommendation following the death of Nakal as Binjai's a valuable female. The fact they had four cubs was probably worse case scenario, and Melbourne have had to retain two cubs long term as a result.

What I’ve also noticed with Sumatran tigers is how a small percentage are non-compatible as breeding partners. In some cases, it’s behavioural (even in mother raised tigers) with either male or female showing no interest; and in other cases, the female (usually when breeding has been left until the last minute) fails to conceive.

Had pairings worked out, Bashi would be represented and we wouldn’t be on the verge of seeing the lines of Raja, Binjai and possibly Soraya die out (dependent on if Indra and Mati are paired with females).

 

[Zoofan15]

Auckland Zoo - Tiger Cub Update

Auckland Zoo’s male cub was removed for assessment and supportive care, following a fall. He has since been re-integrated with his mother.

From socials:

If you’re visiting Auckland Zoo today or tomorrow, we just wanted to let you know that our tiger habitat is temporarily closed. As you may know through previous updates, Sumatran tiger Zayana is proving to be a great mum and her two cubs are growing fast and becoming increasingly active and mobile.

However, yesterday (Saturday 27 January) the male cub took a tumble (just as human toddlers are prone to do) while exploring. Unfortunately, he has hurt himself and our veterinary and carnivore teams needed to move him to the vet hospital for assessment and supportive care.

Today he is brighter and showing some signs of improvement, so we have carefully reintroduced him to Zayana and his sister to maintain the maternal bond and hope that he’ll continue to suckle normally and continue to recover.

So that we can provide the best possible conditions for this, including a quiet environment for Zayana and her cubs, we have temporarily closed the habitat to visitors.

Hopefully we receive good news from Auckland Zoo this week regarding the health of the male cub. In the event the cub dies, it could place its sibling in a precarious position.

To date, there’s only been one instance of a female continuing to successfully rear a litter after the litter was rescued to a single cub. This was at Taronga Zoo in the late 80’s. Meta gave birth to 1.1 cubs on 23/11/1988 and the female cub died in March 1989; with the male cub (Jambi) surviving to adulthood. In this instance, the litter was 3-4 months old when this event occurred and Jambi would have started eating solids from around two months of age. Auckland’s litter are approaching one month of age and still entirely dependent on Zayana’s milk.

In a worst case scenario, I’m hopeful cross-fostering the female cub to Hamilton’s litter would be considered. A third cub shouldn’t unduly tax Kirana and zoos around the world have successfully achieved this by immersing the cub in the scent of the adoptive mother.

 

[Tiger91]

Hopefully we receive good news from Auckland Zoo this week regarding the health of the male cub. In the event the cub dies, it could place its sibling in a precarious position.

To date, there’s only been one instance of a female continuing to successfully rear a litter after the litter was rescued to a single cub. This was at Taronga Zoo in the late 80’s. Meta gave birth to 1.1 cubs on 23/11/1988 and the female cub died in March 1989; with the male cub (Jambi) surviving to adulthood. In this instance, the litter was 3-4 months old when this event occurred and Jambi would have started eating solids from around two months of age. Auckland’s litter are approaching one month of age and still entirely dependent on Zayana’s milk.

In a worst case scenario, I’m hopeful cross-fostering the female cub to Hamilton’s litter would be considered. A third cub shouldn’t unduly tax Kirana and zoos around the world have successfully achieved this by immersing the cub in the scent of the adoptive mother.

I wonder what the cut of age for the mother killing the surviving cub is. In the wild the majority of cubs die, while the mother raise the remaining.

 

[Zoofan15]

I wonder what the cut of age for the mother killing the surviving cub is. In the wild the majority of cubs die, while the mother raise the remaining.

My understanding is it’s the production of milk that’s the issue. If the litter is reduced to a single cub, the mother’s milk usually dries up. Taronga’s keepers noticed this happened to Selatan when she delivered twins (one stillborn) in 1994. The surviving cub (Kemiri) was failing to gain weight, indicating Selatan’s milk was insufficient. Had they not intervened, Selatan would have likely rejected or killed the surviving cub. Similarly at Perth, Setia had quadruplets, three of which died as neonates. She rejected the fourth, which was removed before it was killed.

To answer your question about a cut off age. I would assume around two months. The cubs have begun eating solids by this age, meaning there’s less dependence on the mother’s milk.

 

[Tiger91]

My understanding is it’s the production of milk that’s the issue. If the litter is reduced to a single cub, the mother’s milk usually dries up. Taronga’s keepers noticed this happened to Selatan when she delivered twins (one stillborn) in 1994. The surviving cub (Kemiri) was failing to gain weight, indicating Selatan’s milk was insufficient. Had they not intervened, Selatan would have likely rejected or killed the surviving cub. Similarly at Perth, Setia had quadruplets, three of which died as neonates. She rejected the fourth, which was removed before it was killed.

To answer your question about a cut off age. I would assume around two months. The cubs have begun eating solids by this age, meaning there’s less dependence on the mother’s milk.

Interesting I wouldn't have thought it would be milk production as the main factor. Lets hope the young cub recovers quickly.
I would have thought it was more of the typical energy/time pay off when raising one against killing and re cycling and racing more that some species can do.

 

[Zoofan15]

Interesting I wouldn't have thought it would be milk production as the main factor. Lets hope the young cub recovers quickly.
I would have thought it was more of the typical energy/time pay off when raising one against killing and re cycling and racing more that some species can do.

It’s a complex process. The mother doesn’t count her cubs and think to herself that she only has one and it’s not worth the effort. The lack of demand on her milk supply means she produces less and it can dry up altogether. That effectively signals to her body that the litter has died and she will often resume cycling. The change in hormones means she’s no longer maternally focussed; and in any case, she’ll often eat the cubs to absorb the nutrients expended. It’s theorised the rationale of raising large litters is the evolutionary cause of this phenomenon.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Hopefully we receive good news from Auckland Zoo this week regarding the health of the male cub. In the event the cub dies, it could place its sibling in a precarious position.

To date, there’s only been one instance of a female continuing to successfully rear a litter after the litter was rescued to a single cub. This was at Taronga Zoo in the late 80’s. Meta gave birth to 1.1 cubs on 23/11/1988 and the female cub died in March 1989; with the male cub (Jambi) surviving to adulthood. In this instance, the litter was 3-4 months old when this event occurred and Jambi would have started eating solids from around two months of age. Auckland’s litter are approaching one month of age and still entirely dependent on Zayana’s milk.

In a worst case scenario, I’m hopeful cross-fostering the female cub to Hamilton’s litter would be considered. A third cub shouldn’t unduly tax Kirana and zoos around the world have successfully achieved this by immersing the cub in the scent of the adoptive mother.

I hope that we receive good news too - the zoo did say there has been improvement in his condition in the initial Facebook post, but there has been no further news. The tiger habitat remained closed yesterday when I visited the zoo.

Given the risk of injury to many animal infants, I am thankful there have been no such mishaps with baby orangutan Bahmi. Thankfully Melur is an experienced and vigilant mother, because that youngster can get pretty daring with his climbing!

 

[Zoofan15]

I hope that we receive good news too - the zoo did say there has been improvement in his condition in the initial Facebook post, but there has been no further news. The tiger habitat remained closed yesterday when I visited the zoo.

Given the risk of injury to many animal infants, I am thankful there have been no such mishaps with baby orangutan Bahmi. Thankfully Melur is an experienced and vigilant mother, because that youngster can get pretty daring with his climbing!

Yes, signs are encouraging considering he was deemed able to rejoin his family. The fact Zayana gave birth outside is unusual. Obviously the cubs are safer in a nest box; but despite the risks the outside exhibit presents, it’s important to give Zayana the choice and that’s obviously where she feels most comfortable. She gave birth to the previous litter outside as well.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Yes, signs are encouraging considering he was deemed able to rejoin his family. The fact Zayana gave birth outside is unusual. Obviously the cubs are safer in a nest box; but despite the risks the outside exhibit presents, it’s important to give Zayana the choice and that’s obviously where she feels most comfortable. She gave birth to the previous litter outside as well.

It did seem unusual that Zayana chose to give birth outside, as in general most of the zoo animals seem to prefer indoor births. The only other instance I've heard about of an outdoor birth at Auckland Zoo was a nyala calf last year - the calf was apparently born in front of astonished visitors during the Easter holidays.

 

[Zoofan15]

It did seem unusual that Zayana chose to give birth outside, as in general most of the zoo animals seem to prefer indoor births. The only other instance I've heard about of an outdoor birth at Auckland Zoo was a nyala calf last year - the calf was apparently born in front of astonished visitors during the Easter holidays.

Chimpanzees at Taronga and Wellington have both given birth on exhibit. On top of a climbing pole seems to be a preference. At Auckland Zoo, Kiri the giraffe gave birth to Masamba in full public view in 2002.

Sali at Hamilton Zoo gave birth in the den, but was allowed access to the outdoor exhibit. On hot afternoons, she’d often bring the cubs out to nurse her them in the grass.