Australasian Sumatran Tiger Population

[ApeLadyNZ]

Hamilton Zoo - Tiger Cub Update

From socials:

Tiger Cubs go for a walk | Look at who's out and about! The cubs are now just over seven weeks old and their natural curiosity is clear, the two girls have been exploring more... | By Hamilton Zoo | Facebook

The cubs are now just over seven weeks old and their natural curiosity is clear, the two girls have been exploring more and more of the enclosure everyday, under the watchful eye of mum, Kirana.

With playful and very determined attitudes, their mobility and balance is slowly but surely improving. Both cubs can now move short distances independently, but never wander too far away from mum.

Kirana and her cubs can choose to stay inside or venture outside as they please, with access to both the enclosure and off-display areas. Although it's not guaranteed, you might be lucky enough to spot this little family outside during your next visit.

0.1 Unnamed (03/01/2024) Scout x Kirana
0.1 Unnamed (03/01/2024) Scout x Kirana

Funny how Hamilton followed up Auckland's tiger news with their own so fast! But seriously, it's wonderful to see these cubs out and about and thriving, and like Zayana, Kirana seems to be a great mother.

Hopefully we'll have word on names soon, or a possible naming competition!

 

[Zoofan15]

Funny how Hamilton followed up Auckland's tiger news with their own so fast! But seriously, it's wonderful to see these cubs out and about and thriving, and like Zayana, Kirana seems to be a great mother.

Hopefully we'll have word on names soon, or a possible naming competition!

Yeah I thought when I saw Auckland’s update, it might prompt an update from Hamilton Zoo. It was nice to see the latter follow suit with an early birth announcement like Auckland (even if they didn’t announce the pregnancy).

Hamilton Zoo have two cubs, so I’m anticipating either an open naming comp or a vote on two sets of names (three for each). One cub is apparently larger and more outgoing, so there’s already a difference in personality between them.

 

[Jambo]

Hamilton Zoo have two cubs, so I’m anticipating either an open naming comp or a vote on two sets of names (three for each).

If they do it the same way they did with Kirana's birth then it would be a combination of both; beginning with the opportunity for people to submit names with keepers than shortlisting their favourite names into six (three for each) and a winner then being voted from that.

Either way, Hamilton's previous cubs weren't named until they were six months old so would potentially be waiting a while before the naming begins.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

If they do it the same way they did with Kirana's birth then it would be a combination of both; beginning with the opportunity for people to submit names with keepers than shortlisting their favourite names into six (three for each) and a winner then being voted from that.

Either way, Hamilton's previous cubs weren't named until they were six months old so would potentially be waiting a while before the naming begins.

Hamilton usually does do the naming competition thing with the public being asked to choose from a list of pre-selected names, it's true. I did ask on social media if there was any word on names for the cubs, and they replied that it was "under wraps". Which did make me wonder if they were intending for one cub to be Mencari II, though that seems quite unlikely now I think about their usual way of doing things.

 

[Zoofan15]

Hamilton usually does do the naming competition thing with the public being asked to choose from a list of pre-selected names, it's true. I did ask on social media if there was any word on names for the cubs, and they replied that it was "under wraps". Which did make me wonder if they were intending for one cub to be Mencari II, though that seems quite unlikely now I think about their usual way of doing things.

Based on their reply to you, I think we can rule out an open naming competition, which is a shame. I feel like if they were just going to choose names, they’d have replied ‘We’ll be announcing this shortly’ which leads me to believe they’ll be some degree of razzmatazz associated with the process. This could involve putting out three feed buckets (each with a name) in Scout’s exhibit and seeing which one he goes to first; and then doing the same in Kirana’s exhibit to name the second cub.

While it’s nice to honour prominent zoo animals, I feel like the best way to honour Mencari is to treat her name with retired number status. By all means, come up with a name that pays tribute to her in some way; but not her name with a II stuck on the end. They’ll never be another Mencari.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Based on their reply to you, I think we can rule out an open naming competition, which is a shame. I feel like if they were just going to choose names, they’d have replied ‘We’ll be announcing this shortly’ which leads me to believe they’ll be some degree of razzmatazz associated with the process. This could involve putting out three feed buckets (each with a name) in Scout’s exhibit and seeing which one he goes to first; and then doing the same in Kirana’s exhibit to name the second cub.

While it’s nice to honour prominent zoo animals, I feel like the best way to honour Mencari is to treat her name with retired number status. By all means, come up with a name that pays tribute to her in some way; but not her name with a II stuck on the end. They’ll never be another Mencari.

I agree with you about the "retired number" thing for Mencari's name, although if they choose another name that somehow alludes to her, it would be a beautiful gesture. Like how Bahmi the orangutan's name pays tribute to the late Wanita. (Tangent, but I often wonder what would have been chosen as a name if Charlie and Melur's infant had been a female - we could have had girl!Bahmi, but Bahmi seems more like a male name. Since Wanita means woman in Indonesian, perhaps they might have gone with Gadis, which means girl or maiden. It's a pretty name that would have paid tribute both to Wanita and to Charlie's wild-born mother, Girlie, since it was Charlie's valuable genetics that got Auckland Zoo an orangutan breeding recommendation).

As much as I do like naming competitions, the feed bucket thing does sound like a lot of fun and would be spectacular to watch on socials!

But I think Auckland Zoo did the right thing by not having a naming competition or auction for their cub's naming.

 

[Zoofan15]

I agree with you about the "retired number" thing for Mencari's name, although if they choose another name that somehow alludes to her, it would be a beautiful gesture. Like how Bahmi the orangutan's name pays tribute to the late Wanita. (Tangent, but I often wonder what would have been chosen as a name if Charlie and Melur's infant had been a female - we could have had girl!Bahmi, but Bahmi seems more like a male name. Since Wanita means woman in Indonesian, perhaps they might have gone with Gadis, which means girl or maiden. It's a pretty name that would have paid tribute both to Wanita and to Charlie's wild-born mother, Girlie, since it was Charlie's valuable genetics that got Auckland Zoo an orangutan breeding recommendation).

As much as I do like naming competitions, the feed bucket thing does sound like a lot of fun and would be spectacular to watch on socials!

But I think Auckland Zoo did the right thing by not having a naming competition or auction for their cub's naming.

I’m really glad Auckland Zoo didn’t do an auction to name their tiger cub. It excludes 99% of the population, who can’t justify spending thousands to win a competition. After Ramah and Zayana’s difficult journey to parenthood, the keepers 100% deserved the opportunity to name the cub and I think they picked a good one. I would have loved an open naming completion though and stuffed the ballot box with Kerinci.

Mencari and her littermates were named by Hamilton Zoo when they arrived in 2001 at 12 months of age. Mencari’s name meant ‘prowl’ in Indonesian, so it’s not the easiest name to link to. Perhaps something like Sembunyi (stealthy), Diam (stealth), Tangkai (stalk) or Laju (pace). They’d probably wanna down play the pacing behaviour of tigers though.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I’m really glad Auckland Zoo didn’t do an auction to name their tiger cub. It excludes 99% of the population, who can’t justify spending thousands to win a competition. After Ramah and Zayana’s difficult journey to parenthood, the keepers 100% deserved the opportunity to name the cub and I think they picked a good one. I would have loved an open naming completion though and stuffed the ballot box with Kerinci.

Mencari and her littermates were named by Hamilton Zoo when they arrived in 2001 at 12 months of age. Mencari’s name meant ‘prowl’ in Indonesian, so it’s not the easiest name to link to. Perhaps something like Sembunyi (stealthy), Diam (stealth), Tangkai (stalk) or Laju (pace). They’d probably wanna down play the pacing behaviour of tigers though.

I'm also glad Auckland didn't go with an auction; personally, I am not in favour of them, for the reasons you mentioned. I know zoos want to raise funds for their conservation work, but there are other, better ways to do that. And given the difficult circumstances of Cahya's birth, I think they did the right thing, and the name is perfect for her.

Speaking of Cahya, I was lucky enough to catch a brief glimpse of her early on Saturday morning. She makes a sound like an extremely loud kitten, and Zayana is an amazing and attentive mother to her!

I do like the possible names you've suggested for Hamilton's cubs. Another way to allude to and honour Mencari might be to simply use the last part, Cari, which means "search" or "seek" in Indonesian. Hamilton Zoo did mention the curious and explorative nature of the cubs!

 

[Abbey]

I'm also glad Auckland didn't go with an auction; personally, I am not in favour of them, for the reasons you mentioned. I know zoos want to raise funds for their conservation work, but there are other, better ways to do that. And given the difficult circumstances of Cahya's birth, I think they did the right thing, and the name is perfect for her.

Speaking of Cahya, I was lucky enough to catch a brief glimpse of her early on Saturday morning. She makes a sound like an extremely loud kitten, and Zayana is an amazing and attentive mother to her!

I do like the possible names you've suggested for Hamilton's cubs. Another way to allude to and honour Mencari might be to simply use the last part, Cari, which means "search" or "seek" in Indonesian. Hamilton Zoo did mention the curious and explorative nature of the cubs!

That's beautiful that you were able to catch a glimpse of Cahya. I agree that Cari would be a beautiful name for one of Hamilton's girls, a tribute to Mencari without reusing her name. I also like the idea of the parents 'choosing' the name - I think Rockhampton did that for a chimp infant (I'm thinking Capri).

Altina Wildlife Park often use naming rights for their animals as a fundraiser for the zoo, although have advertised the price as $50 per name. While more than a gold coin donation (and the zoo could up their prices if they chose), it seems the price relatively accessible - the price of a couple of zoo visits, rather than something only within reach for a wealthy benefactor.

 

[Zoofan15]

That's beautiful that you were able to catch a glimpse of Cahya. I agree that Cari would be a beautiful name for one of Hamilton's girls, a tribute to Mencari without reusing her name. I also like the idea of the parents 'choosing' the name - I think Rockhampton did that for a chimp infant (I'm thinking Capri).

Altina Wildlife Park often use naming rights for their animals as a fundraiser for the zoo, although have advertised the price as $50 per name. While more than a gold coin donation (and the zoo could up their prices if they chose), it seems the price relatively accessible - the price of a couple of zoo visits, rather than something only within reach for a wealthy benefactor.

Hamilton Zoo also did the troop choosing the name idea with Kendi the chimpanzee three years ago, so in line with that and their recent tiger cub gender reveal, I’m thinking that’s what will eventuate. If they feel strongly that one of the names should reflect Mencari in some way, it’s possible one name could be predetermined; with the other left to chance.

It’ll also be interesting to see if Hamilton Zoo choose matching names (their last litter were Kembali and Kirana). On that note, the names of Selatan’s triplets were Juara (champion), Lari (run) and Ramalon (future). They were named in early 1996, when Sydney was gearing up to hold the Olympics, which may have been no coincidence. Introductions between Shiva and Selatan would have begun shortly after it was announced Sydney were holding the Olympics in late 1993, so they may have been sitting on this idea for a while (with Selatan taking several months to conceive; and then her first cub having to be hand raised).

 

[Zoofan15]

If they do it the same way they did with Kirana's birth then it would be a combination of both; beginning with the opportunity for people to submit names with keepers than shortlisting their favourite names into six (three for each) and a winner then being voted from that.

Either way, Hamilton's previous cubs weren't named until they were six months old so would potentially be waiting a while before the naming begins.

Hamilton usually does do the naming competition thing with the public being asked to choose from a list of pre-selected names, it's true. I did ask on social media if there was any word on names for the cubs, and they replied that it was "under wraps". Which did make me wonder if they were intending for one cub to be Mencari II, though that seems quite unlikely now I think about their usual way of doing things.

Hamilton Zoo have announced today they’re celebrating Children’s Day on March 3, so it wouldn’t surprise me if they tied naming the cubs in with that.

This could involve fanfare such as the parent tigers ‘choosing’ names via brightly coloured feed buckets; or launching a voting system where each visitor is given a token upon arrival that they can place in a box to vote.

Children/families are very Hamilton Zoo’s target audience, so it seems natural that they would combine the two.

 

[Zoofan15]

Adelaide Zoo - Future Breeding

Adelaide Zoo vets chuffed with Sumatran Tiger health check-up - Adelaide Zoo

Delilah at Adelaide Zoo underwent a full sedation/physical examination this week - the first since giving birth to triplets 14 months ago. This is the time that captive tigresses usually begin to exhibit intolerance towards their cubs and are placed on a hormonal implant to enable them to continue living together. What’s interesting is there was no mention of Delilah being put on contraception; and furthermore this comment was made regarding a check on her reproductive organs:

It’s great that Delilah will continue to be part of the regional breeding program and more cubs may one day be on the horizon at Adelaide Zoo,” said Chad.

I was previously under the impression that the planned construction of a third tiger exhibit at Adelaide Zoo was about accomodating these cubs into adulthood; but since it appears Delilah won’t be put on contraception, it could instead indicate plans to transfer them out. Several facilities have ageing tigers and while there’s no immediate plans to from Delilah again, they clearly want to keep that option open (contraception can sometimes adversely impact reproduction in female felids).

 

[Tiger91]

Adelaide Zoo - Future Breeding

Adelaide Zoo vets chuffed with Sumatran Tiger health check-up - Adelaide Zoo

Delilah at Adelaide Zoo underwent a full sedation/physical examination this week - the first since giving birth to triplets 14 months ago. This is the time that captive tigresses usually begin to exhibit intolerance towards their cubs and are placed on a hormonal implant to enable them to continue living together. What’s interesting is there was no mention of Delilah being put on contraception; and furthermore this comment was made regarding a check on her reproductive organs:

It’s great that Delilah will continue to be part of the regional breeding program and more cubs may one day be on the horizon at Adelaide Zoo,” said Chad.

I was previously under the impression that the planned construction of a third tiger exhibit at Adelaide Zoo was about accomodating these cubs into adulthood; but since it appears Delilah won’t be put on contraception, it could instead indicate plans to transfer them out. Several facilities have ageing tigers and while there’s no immediate plans to from Delilah again, they clearly want to keep that option open (contraception can sometimes adversely impact reproduction in female felids).

It would be good news to see them breed and transfer out to the private zoos that are looking for them. Giving the regional private zoos tigers and maintaining spaces for the species.
Adelaide being semi private, they won't turn down the increase in revenue that tiger cubs bring.

 

[Zoofan15]

It would be good news to see them breed and transfer out to the private zoos that are looking for them. Giving the regional private zoos tigers and maintaining spaces for the species.
Adelaide being semi private, they won't turn down the increase in revenue that tiger cubs bring.

Tasmania, Perth and Sydney have elderly tigers and the latter has hybrids, so it’d be especially good to see them return to holding Sumatran tigers. Perth make take the opportunity to redevelop their facilities when their male passes, so it could be a while before they’re in a position to receive new tigers.

While there’s uncertainty around the timeframe for the above facilities receiving tigers, it’s certain spaces will open up within Delilah’s remaining reproductive years (at least four years), meaning there’s a strong chance Adelaide will breed again.

 

[Zoofan15]

I do wonder though whether Auckland will choose to import however, as it was speculated Pemanah would look for a mate from their litter. But as that hasn't happened, it's all up in the air as to what happens, but I expect Auckland to stay away from imports in the near future. Interesting to hear about the other breeding pairs in the region though, is Monarto or Melbourne in the picture?

Pemanah (Sumatran tiger) is being exported to the US, along with his sister (Mawar). His other sister (Tengah) will remain at Taronga and had the male cub from Auckland survived, it wouldn’t have surprised me to have seen him go to Taronga. The obvious designation for Auckland’s surviving (female) cub is Orana, but that’s unconfirmed/speculation.

Auckland’s keepers advised Ramah and Zayana would receive a repeat breeding recommendation if their first litter was small. Since it contains a single (surviving) cub, I imagine they’ll produce another litter in late 2025/early 2026; though since Tengah will be getting on in years, it may be advisable to send Ramah to Taronga instead (after siring one more litter to Zayana at Auckland).

Melbourne have a 1.1 sibling pair of Sumatran tigers (in different exhibits). They’re well equipped to breed, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see them acquire a breeding pair within the decade. Importing from outside the region would be ideal as otherwise we’ll just be pairing the offspring of Ramah and Zayana to the tigers we have.

 

[Tiger91]

Pemanah (Sumatran tiger) is being exported to the US, along with his sister (Mawar). His other sister (Tengah) will remain at Taronga and had the male cub from Auckland survived, it wouldn’t have surprised me to have seen him go to Taronga. The obvious designation for Auckland’s surviving (female) cub is Orana, but that’s unconfirmed/speculation.

Auckland’s keepers advised Ramah and Zayana would receive a repeat breeding recommendation if their first litter was small. Since it contains a single (surviving) cub, I imagine they’ll produce another litter in late 2025/early 2026; though since Tengah will be getting on in years, it may be advisable to send Ramah to Taronga instead (after siring one more litter to Zayana at Auckland).

Melbourne have a 1.1 sibling pair of Sumatran tigers (in different exhibits). They’re well equipped to breed, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see them acquire a breeding pair within the decade. Importing from outside the region would be ideal as otherwise we’ll just be pairing the offspring of Ramah and Zayana to the tigers we have.

I wonder whether Melbourne will phase out tiger to phase them back in once they have redone the enclosures. Im not sure how old/large the enclosures are. But once the elephants go I can imagine them going down a similar track to taronga and investing more in animals like the tigers that are popular with the public. And whether when there tigers pass, if they will take the chance to redo/redesign the exhibits in preparation for new tigers.

 

[Zoofan15]

I wonder whether Melbourne will phase out tiger to phase them back in once they have redone the enclosures. Im not sure how old/large the enclosures are. But once the elephants go I can imagine them going down a similar track to taronga and investing more in animals like the tigers that are popular with the public. And whether when there tigers pass, if they will take the chance to redo/redesign the exhibits in preparation for new tigers.

Melbourne’s tiger exhibits opened in 1992 (TOTE) and 2017 (Carnivores) respectively. Both are fit for purpose and fully functional, so in the interests of being cost-effective, I’d be in favour of continuing to utilise them in the current state (potentially upgrading the TOTE exhibit if required); and investing in development of higher priority projects.

Myself and @Jambo have discussed this previously on here and are both in favour of Melbourne Zoo importing a pair of Sumatran tigers from outside the region. It’s clear Auckland’s pair (Ramah and Zayana) are immensely valuable to the region and their offspring will be used to make numerous matches; but in the interests of a sustainable population, further imports would be beneficial.

A breeding pair housed in TOTE could be bred at 18-24 month intervals, with each litter housed in the Carnivores precinct exhibit for a period of time prior to transferring out. This would allow them to continue socialisation with littermates; as well as eliminating the need for the mother to be put on contraception while still of reproductive age. It would also provide Melbourne with two active and engaging exhibits of a mother and cubs/juveniles in TOTE; and playful adolescents in Carnivores.

 

[Jambo]

Myself and @Jambo have discussed this previously on here and are both in favour of Melbourne Zoo importing a pair of Sumatran tigers from outside the region. It’s clear Auckland’s pair (Ramah and Zayana) are immensely valuable to the region and their offspring will be used to make numerous matches; but in the interests of a sustainable population, further imports would be beneficial.

Knowing Melbourne if they do intend to continue exhibiting and breeding tigers, we can almost guarantee at least one tiger will be brought over from overseas (Although, like you I do believe an entirely new pair would be best).

Taking into account the ages of Melbourne's current sibling pair, they could still have half a decade ahead of them, so we probably won't see this come to fruition until the end of this decade at earliest.

At best, I'd hope Melbourne takes this time (following the departure of the elephants) to renovate the TOTE exhibit if required.

 

[Babirusa]

Currently they don't plan to continue with tigers after the current two pass, the whole TOTE area will eventually be redeveloped.

It must be getting close to an announcement of what the plans for the area will be as the elephants will move this year!

 

[Abbey]

Currently they don't plan to continue with tigers after the current two pass, the whole TOTE area will eventually be redeveloped.

It must be getting close to an announcement of what the plans for the area will be as the elephants will move this year!

I've heard this before about Melbourne not receiving new tigers following the deaths of their current pair, and I have no reason to disbelieve it, although to me that would be a very odd decision, considering that Sumatran tigers are an endangered species with an established breeding program in the region.

That said, I can see the reasoning for redeveloping TOTE following the departure of the elephants, considering their main attraction will have departed and there will be the opportunity to use that space for something completely different, rather than just slotting another species (ie rhino or tapir) into those existing exhibits.