Australasian Sumatran Tiger Population

[Tiger91]

Reggie is the son of Satu (imported from Germany) and Maneki (imported from Indonesia). He’s one of the most genetically valuable males in the region and notable as the only offspring of the Indonesian imports that wasn’t sired by a male from the Nico-Meta line. It’s for that reason, Reggie should enter the breeding population sooner rather than later and I’m hopeful the plan is to pair him with Ramah and Zayana’s daughter, Cahya.

Correct, that would be four pairings not descended from Nico and Meta’s sons (I will note Auckland’s pair descend from their daughter, Kali):

Ramah and Zayana
Reggie and Cahya
Second offspring of Ramah and Zayana + import
Imported male and female

I had a feeling Reggie may have been a descendant of the sumatran imports but could remember for sure.
It's odd that they havent bred from him before now even. The more tigers we get that are away from Nico metas line the better for genetic diversity mixing wise going forward. That seems to be a big issue with the sumatran captive population. While a lot of zoos have moved tigers around. A small founder base and zoo regions breeding of prolific lines and creating very well represented lines. Have led to reduced genetic diversity in the population.

 

[Zoofan15]

I had a feeling Reggie may have been a descendant of the sumatran imports but could remember for sure.
It's odd that they havent bred from him before now even. The more tigers we get that are away from Nico metas line the better for genetic diversity mixing wise going forward. That seems to be a big issue with the sumatran captive population. While a lot of zoos have moved tigers around. A small founder base and zoo regions breeding of prolific lines and creating very well represented lines. Have led to reduced genetic diversity in the population.

Yes, there’s a total of nine offspring from the Sumatran imports - 5.3 born to Kaitlyn; and 1.0 born to Maneki. In a previous post, I outlined the many pairings that could have been made between the Indonesian imports and other founders such as Oz, Binjai etc.; but instead eight of the nine cubs were sired by Nico/Meta descendants.

I understand Orana requested to retain Reggie over Scout; and while Scout was the second male Indonesian offspring to go into a breeding placement, the first male (Clarence) was paired with Reggie’s paternal half sister (Kartika) precluding Reggie from being paired with her. Nonetheless, a match with Cahya is well overdue.

 

[Zoofan15]

Wellington Zoo’s Breeding Plans (2001)

I came across this article today, which discussed Wellington Zoo’s Sumatran tiger breeding plans (following the tragic death of Jambi):

Zoos work to restore pride - New Zealand News - NZ Herald

The death of Jambi (1988-2001) left Wellington Zoo with two tigers:

0.1 Cantic (1992-2013) Imported 1992
1.0 Rokan (1996-2016) Jambi x Cantic

Meanwhile, Australian-based tiger breeding programme co-ordinator David Pepper-Edwards, of Taronga Zoo in Sydney, says Wellington Zoo may get a new breeding pair of Sumatran tigers in the second half of next year. The future of the remaining tigers, Jambi's mate Cantik and their male offspring Rokan, depends on the needs of the breeding programme.

If required, their homes will be decided by Mr Pepper-Edwards. Otherwise, zoos will be found "where they will be well looked after".

Prior to Jambi’s death, there had been discussion of pairing Cantic with a new male. She was imported from the Netherlands and of greater genetic value than Jambi, who was the son of Nico and Meta. However, it appears replacing her with a new female was given consideration after Jambi’s death.

Rokan was originally scheduled to go to Melbourne Zoo; but they had Ramalon by this stage. Potentially Cantic, who was nine years old, could have gone to Melbourne Zoo to breed with Ramalon; but instead, three years later (2004), Melbourne Zoo imported Binjai from the Netherlands.

There’s no indication where the new breeding pair could have come from. Imports from outside the region appear the most likely possibility considering the close relatedness of Australia’s tiger population to Rokan.

 

[Zoofan15]

Auckland Zoo - Update on Cahya

From socials:

Sumatran tiger cub Cahya receives a health check! | Sumatran tiger cub Cahya recently hit a critical milestone! When she turned 8-weeks-old Cahya received her first vaccination and micro-chip, as well as... | By Auckland ZooFacebook

Sumatran tiger cub Cahya recently hit a critical milestone!

When she turned 8-weeks-old Cahya received her first vaccination and micro-chip, as well as a quick health check from our veterinary team. Her next vaccination takes place at 12 weeks which helps to protect her from feline diseases (just like domestic cats!).

This is made possible through the amazing relationship our carnivore keepers have built with Zayana, and enables them to health check Cahya while mum is in the habitat enjoying breakfast. Once the quick health check was complete, Cahya enjoyed some tasty pet milk which helps to build a relationship with our team.

While many of you have been lucky to spot Cahya, it is under the complete discretion of her mum Zayana as to where she might be each day. We’ll keep you updated as she progresses

 

[Zoofan15]

Hamilton Zoo - Cubs Named

Hamilton Zoo’s cubs have been named Mayang and Andalas:

0.1 Andalas (03/01/2024) Scout x Kirana
0.1 Mayang (03/01/2024) Scout x Kirana

Two unique names with fantastic meanings!

From socials:

Everyone's favourite tiger twins officially have names and a lasting tie to their wild counterparts in Sumatra.

Mayang (my-Ang) refers to a legendary Sultan's daughter who sparked a war with her beauty, which resulted in the establishment of a powerful kingdom in Jambi, a popular name among Jambi people.

Andalas (an-dA-lus) an ancient Melayu word meaning the island of Sumatra.

 

[Zoofan15]

Those are nice names, and although there was no public input into the naming decision, I do support the decision being given over to the rangers in recognition of all their valuable work!

As far as I’m concerned, these names tick all the boxes:

First and foremost, they’re Indonesian names (specifically Sumatran) names. They’re not overused regionally (like Berani, Indah, Jaya etc) or even globally. I also think they compliment each other well i.e. they’re both a similar length which is ideal if these cubs are to go together as a non-breeding sibling pair to another zoo in the future (a not unreasonable assumption given their genetic value).

It’s interesting how despite Andalas coming first alphabetically, the article puts Mayang first. From this, I think it’s safe to assume Mayang is the larger, feistier cub.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

As far as I’m concerned, these names tick all the boxes:

First and foremost, they’re Indonesian names (specifically Sumatran) names. They’re not overused regionally (like Berani, Indah, Jaya etc) or even globally. I also think they compliment each other well i.e. they’re both a similar length which is ideal if these cubs are to go together as a non-breeding sibling pair to another zoo in the future (a not unreasonable assumption given their genetic value).

It’s interesting how despite Andalas coming first alphabetically, the article puts Mayang first. From this, I think it’s safe to assume Mayang is the larger, feistier cub.

I agree completely. And I too am thinking that Mayang is the larger cub, given the way the social media post gave the name order, and the fact that zoo staff took the cubs' personalities into account when choosing names. Mayang seems like a name that would be given to a feistier tiger!

The fact that the post referred to the cubs as "ambassadors" seems to indicate that you may be right that these two are destined to be ambassador animals in the usual sense of the term, meaning non-breeding, unlike Auckland Zoo's Cahya, who is definitely destined for a future in the breeding programme due to her high genetic value.

 

[Zoofan15]

I agree completely. And I too am thinking that Mayang is the larger cub, given the way the social media post gave the name order, and the fact that zoo staff took the cubs' personalities into account when choosing names. Mayang seems like a name that would be given to a feistier tiger!

The fact that the post referred to the cubs as "ambassadors" seems to indicate that you may be right that these two are destined to be ambassador animals in the usual sense of the term, meaning non-breeding, unlike Auckland Zoo's Cahya, who is definitely destined for a future in the breeding programme due to her high genetic value.

I took these two photos of Hamilton’s twins when the cubs were nine weeks, which I therefore assume is Mayang on the left and Andalas on the right in the first pic; and Kirana with Mayang in the second pic:





Cahya has many applications to our breeding programme, but the most obvious destination by far is Orana Wildlife Park. Reggie is one of the most genetically valuable males in the region and while he’ll need to wait at least three years for Cahya to mature, he’s only eight years old himself, so that shouldn’t be an issue. With both facilities being in the same country, it’d be a relatively simple transfer compared to what’s involved with importing from overseas, which would be an added bonus were it to go ahead.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I took these two photos of Hamilton’s twins when the cubs were nine weeks, which I therefore assume is Mayang on the left and Andalas on the right in the first pic; and Kirana with Mayang in the second pic:

View attachment 694774

View attachment 694773

Cahya has many applications to our breeding programme, but the most obvious destination by far is Orana Wildlife Park. Reggie is one of the most genetically valuable males in the region and while he’ll need to wait at least three years for Cahya to mature, he’s only eight years old himself, so that shouldn’t be an issue. With both facilities being in the same country, it’d be a relatively simple transfer compared to what’s involved with importing from overseas, which would be an added bonus were it to go ahead.

Thank you for the photos - those are beautiful! And I would say, too, that the best place for Cahya in the future would be Orana with Reggie, given their shared genetic value and the ease of transport. Unless Orana got a breeding recommendation to import a female currently overseas, of course, but I'm not sure what the likelihood is of that happening.

 

[Zoofan15]

Potential Future Mates for Pairing Cahya

While I’m of the opinion a pairing with Reggie is the obvious choice for Cahya, I thought it’d be interesting to look at all options:

These males can 100% be eliminated based on their age, health, relatedness, temperament or unavailability:

1.0 Satu (28/10/2006) Ramalon x Binjai
1.0 Bashi (04/12/2007) Imported 2008
1.0 Jaya (20/08/2008) Hari x Setia
1.0 Sakti (20/08/2011) Satu x Jumilah
1.0 Hunter (22/08/2013) Ramalon x Kaitlyn
1.0 Ramah (08/07/2017) Imported 2022
1.0 Pemanah (17/01/2019) Clarence x Kartika

I’m 99% confident in eliminating these males due to previous comments about them being surplus to the breeding programme (and availability of alternatives for other pairings):

1.0 Hutan (09/02/2010) Ramalon x Binjai
1.0 Kembali (20/08/2011) Satu x Jumilah

I’m 95% confident in eliminating these males based on their representation:

1.0 Clarence (22/08/2013) Ramalon x Kaitlyn
1.0 Kembali (16/11/2014) Oz x Sali
1.0 Scout (08/02/2016) Juma x Kaitlyn

This leaves seven males:

1.0 Aceh (09/02/2010) Ramalon x Binjai
1.0 Mati (21/08/2010) Lari x Soraya
1.0 Indra (21/08/2010) Lari x Soraya
1.0 Reggie (31/03/2016) Satu x Maneki
1.0 Nelson (03/06/2019) Ranu x Kaitlyn
1.0 Malcolm (18/02/2020) Ranu x Kaitlyn
1.0 Ketambe (21/12/2022) Kembali x Delilah

Given the importance of ensuring equal representation of all founders within a breeding programme, the strongest candidates for future breeding are:

1.0 Aceh (09/02/2010) Ramalon x Binjai
1.0 Mati (21/08/2010) Lari x Soraya
1.0 Indra (21/08/2010) Lari x Soraya
1.0 Reggie (31/03/2016) Satu x Maneki

These males are the first generation offspring of founder mothers, who have no second generation descendants (grandchildren). Soraya is well represented internationally, so from here, I’d assess Aceh and Reggie as the top two candidates.

Considering Reggie is in the same country; at a facility that has two empty exhibits (i.e. ready to receive a tigress); and is one of the most genetically valuable tigers in captivity, I remain of the opinion pairing him and Cahya is a no brainer (assuming no imports from outside the region are planned).

 

[Zoofan15]

Cahya (Update)

I visited Auckland Zoo yesterday and was lucky enough to see their three and half month old Sumatran tiger cub, Cahya, on exhibit; along with her mother, Zayana. They were in the smallest tiger exhibit, which consists of a rock cave and a gently sloping hill.

Cahya (3 months old)

• Zoofan15
• 14 Apr 2024
• 1

Photo taken 13/04/2024.

Cahya was immensely popular with the public, drawing a huge crowd around her exhibit. I was intrigued to hear at least three people refer to her by name; which I otherwise only hear with regards to Burma the elephant or occasionally Bahmi the orangutan. It’s testament to both the interest the public has in these cats; and the fantastic job the zoo has done with updating everyone via socials and more recently, their TV show. It’s fair to say Cahya will be remembered as one of the animal stars of the 2020’s.

One thing that really stood out to me was her engagement with Zayana. She wouldn’t leave her alone, stalking, chasing and jumping on her. Following the death of her brother as a neonate, Zayana will become the first Sumatran tiger cub to be raised as a singleton by her mother in the region in 35 years. It’s clear Zayana is fulfilling the role usually taken by siblings in entertaining Cahya and as such, a single cub is more work than a larger litter; though Zayana demonstrates endless patience and by all accounts has proved an excellent mother.

Additional photos in the gallery for those interested: Auckland Zoo - ZooChat

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Cahya (Update)

I visited Auckland Zoo yesterday and was lucky enough to see their three and half month old Sumatran tiger cub, Cahya, on exhibit; along with her mother, Zayana. They were in the smallest tiger exhibit, which consists of a rock cave and a gently sloping hill.

Cahya (3 months old)

• Zoofan15
• 14 Apr 2024
• 1

Photo taken 13/04/2024.

Cahya was immensely popular with the public, drawing a huge crowd around her exhibit. I was intrigued to hear at least three people refer to her by name; which I otherwise only hear with regards to Burma the elephant or occasionally Bahmi the orangutan. It’s testament to both the interest the public has in these cats; and the fantastic job the zoo has done with updating everyone via socials and more recently, their TV show. It’s fair to say Cahya will be remembered as one of the animal stars of the 2020’s.

One thing that really stood out to me was her engagement with Zayana. She wouldn’t leave her alone, stalking, chasing and jumping on her. Following the death of her brother as a neonate, Zayana will become the first Sumatran tiger cub to be raised as a singleton by her mother in the region in 35 years. It’s clear Zayana is fulfilling the role usually taken by siblings in entertaining Cahya and as such, a single cub is more work than a larger litter; though Zayana demonstrates endless patience and by all accounts has proved an excellent mother.

Additional photos in the gallery for those interested: Auckland Zoo - ZooChat

Thank you for the update, and the great photo! I too got to see Cahya on the weekend but was unable to get any pictures of her. It's great to see she is such an active and healthy cub, and that Zayana is such a patient and attentive mother.

Ramah the male was also up and about and very active during carcass feeding on Saturday morning; I often notice that visitors are more likely to see Zayana and Cahya when Ramah is active, as Zayana, ever the protective mother, will keep a watchful eye on him while Cahya takes the opportunity to play!

 

[Zoofan15]

Thank you for the update, and the great photo! I too got to see Cahya on the weekend but was unable to get any pictures of her. It's great to see she is such an active and healthy cub, and that Zayana is such a patient and attentive mother.

Ramah the male was also up and about and very active during carcass feeding on Saturday morning; I often notice that visitors are more likely to see Zayana and Cahya when Ramah is active, as Zayana, ever the protective mother, will keep a watchful eye on him while Cahya takes the opportunity to play!

Thank you. I was lucky enough to get a good view of Zayana and Cahya in the small exhibit mid-afternoon. Ramah was nowhere in sight, presumably sleeping off the carcass he’d been eating. There were still signs up advising visitors a carcass feeding was taking place, so he must have just finished eating when I arrived.

I read this article yesterday regarding Molek’s first litter in 2008 (originally believed to be a single cub):

First tiger cub makes history at Auckland Zoo | Scoop News

By having what we think is only the one cub, she’s been given a gentle introduction to motherhood, and the chance to really focus and bond with her cub and find her paws - so to speak.

Having seen Zayana and Cahya, it’s my belief that a single cub is twice the work of twins or triplets! Hamilton’s twins have from a young age spent time away from Kirana, entertaining each other. On one of my visits (when they were about two months old), they wandered out into the exhibit, while Kirana remained in the dens for close to an hour.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Thank you. I was lucky enough to get a good view of Zayana and Cahya in the small exhibit mid-afternoon. Ramah was nowhere in sight, presumably sleeping off the carcass he’d been eating. There were still signs up advising visitors a carcass feeding was taking place, so he must have just finished eating when I arrived.

I read this article yesterday regarding Molek’s first litter in 2008 (originally believed to be a single cub):

First tiger cub makes history at Auckland Zoo | Scoop News

By having what we think is only the one cub, she’s been given a gentle introduction to motherhood, and the chance to really focus and bond with her cub and find her paws - so to speak.

Having seen Zayana and Cahya, it’s my belief that a single cub is twice the work of twins or triplets! Hamilton’s twins have from a young age spent time away from Kirana, entertaining each other. On one of my visits (when they were about two months old), they wandered out into the exhibit, while Kirana remained in the dens for close to an hour.

Ramah was most active in the early morning, although he did disappear for most of the afternoon (probably, as you mention here, to sleep off the large amount of food he'd eaten). He did reappear late in the afternoon as I was getting ready to leave for the day, and was fast asleep by the window, looking for all the world like an oversized kitten! I must try and upload some of my photos to the media section here - I did get some of Ramah, as well as the orangutans and siamang gibbons on that visit!

That's amazing, that you had such a great view of Hamilton's cubs! I can imagine that a single cub would be more work for the mother, since Zayana has to devote all her attention to Cahya!

 

[Zoofan15]

Ramah was most active in the early morning, although he did disappear for most of the afternoon (probably, as you mention here, to sleep off the large amount of food he'd eaten). He did reappear late in the afternoon as I was getting ready to leave for the day, and was fast asleep by the window, looking for all the world like an oversized kitten! I must try and upload some of my photos to the media section here - I did get some of Ramah, as well as the orangutans and siamang gibbons on that visit!

That's amazing, that you had such a great view of Hamilton's cubs! I can imagine that a single cub would be more work for the mother, since Zayana has to devote all her attention to Cahya!

Hutan at Melbourne Zoo is also fed carcasses and consequently disappears off exhibit while he digests his food over several days. While Auckland’s tigers are allowed access to the dens, their preference for the exhibits is clear (with Zayana twice giving birth on exhibit). I often wonder if sourcing them from US zoos has resulted in obtaining two tigers who are unphased by large crowds. While Cahya is attracting crowds five or six deep around her exhibit, Hamilton’s cubs receive a fraction of the visitors. On my last three visits, the crowds have never reached double figures at the viewing window.

It will be interesting times ahead for Cahya. Since tigresses usually begin to push their cubs out at 12-18 months, I anticipate this is when the zoo will look to seperate them. Although it would be beneficial to keep them together longer for socialisation (since Cahya hasn’t got siblings to transfer out with); administering contraception to females (which enables the female to tolerate her cubs for longer) isn’t desirable if they’re intended for future breeding, which Zayana obviously is.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Hutan at Melbourne Zoo is also fed carcasses and consequently disappears off exhibit while he digests his food over several days. While Auckland’s tigers are allowed access to the dens, their preference for the exhibits is clear (with Zayana twice giving birth on exhibit). I often wonder if sourcing them from US zoos has resulted in obtaining two tigers who are unphased by large crowds. While Cahya is attracting crowds five or six deep around her exhibit, Hamilton’s cubs receive a fraction of the visitors. On my last three visits, the crowds have never reached double figures at the viewing window.

It will be interesting times ahead for Cahya. Since tigresses usually begin to push their cubs out at 12-18 months, I anticipate this is when the zoo will look to seperate them. Although it would be beneficial to keep them together longer for socialisation (since Cahya hasn’t got siblings to transfer out with); administering contraception to females (which enables the female to tolerate her cubs for longer) isn’t desirable if they’re intended for future breeding, which Zayana obviously is.

Auckland's tigers do indeed seem to like being in the exhibit and from what I've observed, Ramah in particular seems to like "showing off" for the crowd, whether it's walking over the bridge, pacing by the window while waiting for bridge access (and snarling at visitors occasionally) or taking a nap right next to selfie-taking visitors on the other side of the glass! I wonder if Cahya will develop her parents' preferences in this regard - she seems quite happy to play in public and even "pose" for photos sometimes on top of the flat rock in the smallest exhibit (I have a photo somewhere of her doing this at 2 months old).

It's great to see Cahya getting lots of attention as she is a very valuable animal, and very engaging to watch! I do think the only exhibit currently - leaving aside Burma for the moment - that draws that level of crowd interest is the orangutans. Especially since Bahmi's fascination with Daya and his growing boldness on the aerial pathways have led to some amusing antics!

I wonder why Hamilton's cubs aren't drawing the same level of attention as Cahya? They certainly have plenty of the "cute" factor, and as you've mentioned, may actually be easier to spot than Cahya is!

 

[Zoofan15]

Auckland's tigers do indeed seem to like being in the exhibit and from what I've observed, Ramah in particular seems to like "showing off" for the crowd, whether it's walking over the bridge, pacing by the window while waiting for bridge access (and snarling at visitors occasionally) or taking a nap right next to selfie-taking visitors on the other side of the glass! I wonder if Cahya will develop her parents' preferences in this regard - she seems quite happy to play in public and even "pose" for photos sometimes on top of the flat rock in the smallest exhibit (I have a photo somewhere of her doing this at 2 months old).

It's great to see Cahya getting lots of attention as she is a very valuable animal, and very engaging to watch! I do think the only exhibit currently - leaving aside Burma for the moment - that draws that level of crowd interest is the orangutans. Especially since Bahmi's fascination with Daya and his growing boldness on the aerial pathways have led to some amusing antics!

I wonder why Hamilton's cubs aren't drawing the same level of attention as Cahya? They certainly have plenty of the "cute" factor, and as you've mentioned, may actually be easier to spot than Cahya is!

Auckland Zoo has always been higher profile than Hamilton Zoo. They have 53.9K followers to Hamilton Zoo’s 4K and are a well known zoo internationally. Part of this can be attributed to their TV show; but ultimately, Auckland Zoo opened in 1922 and has over a century of progress behind it in exhibits and architecture that Hamilton Zoo is a long way from matching. That’s not a criticism of Hamilton Zoo, they have some great exhibits and have worked hard to acquire new species; though I think they could do a lot more in terms of promotion and engagement.

Both Ramah and Zayana are very confident around the public. The ingenious design of Auckland’s tiger complex allows the tigers to watch each other through the viewing shelter that separates the medium and large exhibit, meaning they come right up to the glass to get a better view of each other sometimes.

This is a photo I took in September 2023 of Zayana watching Ramah in his exhibit opposite her:

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Auckland Zoo has always been higher profile than Hamilton Zoo. They have 53.9K followers to Hamilton Zoo’s 4K and are a well known zoo internationally. Part of this can be attributed to their TV show; but ultimately, Auckland Zoo opened in 1922 and has over a century of progress behind it in exhibits and architecture that Hamilton Zoo is a long way from matching. That’s not a criticism of Hamilton Zoo, they have some great exhibits and have worked hard to acquire new species; though I think they could do a lot more in terms of promotion and engagement.

Both Ramah and Zayana are very confident around the public. The ingenious design of Auckland’s tiger complex allows the tigers to watch each other through the viewing shelter that separates the medium and large exhibit, meaning they come right up to the glass to get a better view of each other sometimes.

This is a photo I took in September 2023 of Zayana watching Ramah in his exhibit opposite her:

View attachment 698609

Wow, that is an amazing photo of Zayana! And it's true that Auckland Zoo does have a higher profile than Hamilton Zoo. Hamilton does have a good connection with the community and is beloved by Waikato locals, but Auckland does get a larger volume of visitors, both locals and from overseas. I have even overheard one American visitor saying that he liked Auckland Zoo more than San Diego Zoo, which is among the best in the world!

 

[Zoofan15]

Wow, that is an amazing photo of Zayana! And it's true that Auckland Zoo does have a higher profile than Hamilton Zoo. Hamilton does have a good connection with the community and is beloved by Waikato locals, but Auckland does get a larger volume of visitors, both locals and from overseas. I have even overheard one American visitor saying that he liked Auckland Zoo more than San Diego Zoo, which is among the best in the world!

Auckland Zoo is my favourite zoo. It has a fascinating history, with a handful of old exhibits/buildings remaining from decades past; which are complimented by modern world class exhibits and lush foliage, creating a park like vibe. I love looking at the spot where the old polar exhibit once was; walking through the old giraffe house, past the old elephant house and under the historic bridges; and standing on the band rotunda, which has a base dug up from rocks used to build the hippo pool.

Elephants, big cats, bears and great apes were Auckland Zoo’s stars throughout the 20th century and today, very little has changed. In the 1960’s, crowds flocked to see Chimo the polar bear cub; now in the 2020’s, they come to see Cahya the Sumatran tiger cub.

Auckland Zoo are certainly to be commended in taking the initiative to import a breeding pair of tigers from the US. They’re an asset to the regional breeding programme and it will pay dividends for the zoo, who can expect at least one more breeding recommendation for Ramah and Zayana. Depending on the litter size of their next litter, it wouldn’t surprise me to see them re-paired after that. Perhaps Ramah with Tengah at Taronga; and then Auckland receiving a new male for Zayana. I guess time will tell.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Auckland Zoo is my favourite zoo. It has a fascinating history, with a handful of old exhibits/buildings remaining from decades past; which are complimented by modern world class exhibits and lush foliage, creating a park like vibe. I love looking at the spot where the old polar exhibit once was; walking through the old giraffe house, past the old elephant house and under the historic bridges; and standing on the band rotunda, which has a base dug up from rocks used to build the hippo pool.

Elephants, big cats, bears and great apes were Auckland Zoo’s stars throughout the 20th century and today, very little has changed. In the 1960’s, crowds flocked to see Chimo the polar bear cub; now in the 2020’s, they come to see Cahya the Sumatran tiger cub.

Auckland Zoo are certainly to be commended in taking the initiative to import a breeding pair of tigers from the US. They’re an asset to the regional breeding programme and it will pay dividends for the zoo, who can expect at least one more breeding recommendation for Ramah and Zayana. Depending on the litter size of their next litter, it wouldn’t surprise me to see them re-paired after that. Perhaps Ramah with Tengah at Taronga; and then Auckland receiving a new male for Zayana. I guess time will tell.

Auckland Zoo is also my favourite zoo - partly because it's my hometown zoo, but partly because of the amazing features you've described, too. I was a kid in the 70s and got to see the "old zoo" and sometimes when I'm not visiting the animals, often near the end of the day, I'll walk around to certain areas and see what traces of the "old zoo" I can still find; like you, I particularly like going to see where the polar bears once were.

And yes, indeed, much remains the same although a lot has changed. I remember as a little girl seeing Sally the baby chimp, and now my favourite pastime is visiting Bahmi the baby orangutan and his family!

It'll be interesting to see what happens with the tigers - I too think Auckland Zoo will breed from Ramah and Zayana before possibly re-pairing them. You mentioned the possibility of Cahya being transferred out to Orana Wildlife Park to be paired with Reggie, but I also wonder, in view of Reggie's age, if they might consider sending Zayana to Reggie and bringing in another female for Ramah? Just a thought.