Perth Zoo Perth Zoo tigers

Jaiden

Jaiden

Well-Known Member
Moderator note: topic split from this news thread: Perth Zoo News 2025 [Perth Zoo]


Zoofan15 said:
That’s interesting to hear Perth could potentially hold a female hyena/s with their younger male long term. There’s no shortage of options for females across the region, with Monarto and Sydney’s packs breeding well.

Due to the age of Jaya (elderly male Sumatran tiger), it would be kindest to allow him to pass before subjecting him to any disruption. I’ve similarly been advised a redevelopment of his exhibit will wait until he’s passed.
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@Zoofan15 On one of my latest visits to Perth zoo I asked about Jaya’s exhibit and The Keeper said that the Zoo is going to wait for him to past intill renovating it or getting new Tigers.
 
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I also really like Jaya's enclosure but since (according to a docent) it was built in the 1950's I guess it is due for an upgrade.... So the docent said that it is possible the orangutans would be moving to the current Tiger exhibit area where there is far denser foliage and the Tigers and other new species would be moving to the old orangutan enclosure. Personally I hope this doesn't happen as they are suited where they are but we will see what plans out...
 
Johnpaul21 said:
I also really like Jaya's enclosure but since (according to a docent) it was built in the 1950's I guess it is due for an upgrade.... So the docent said that it is possible the orangutans would be moving to the current Tiger exhibit area where there is far denser foliage and the Tigers and other new species would be moving to the old orangutan enclosure. Personally I hope this doesn't happen as they are suited where they are but we will see what plans out...
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Hey Johnpaul,

Welcome to ZooChat btw.

Those exhibits were actually built in the early 1980s (completed in about or just before October 1984).

Will be interesting to see if the orangutans and tigers do swap locations at the zoo.
 
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Johnpaul21 said:
I also really like Jaya's enclosure but since (according to a docent) it was built in the 1950's I guess it is due for an upgrade.... So the docent said that it is possible the orangutans would be moving to the current Tiger exhibit area where there is far denser foliage and the Tigers and other new species would be moving to the old orangutan enclosure. Personally I hope this doesn't happen as they are suited where they are but we will see what plans out...
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The masterplan originally outlined plans for a rotational exhibit concept for Sumatran tiger, Malayan sun bear etc. With two ageing sun bears and little to no avenue for replacing them at this point in time, it wouldn’t surprise me to see a larger population of Sumatran tigers rotated through the same set up; or sun bears replaced with Sri Lankan leopards.

It appears Perth are streamlining their orangutan colony to a smaller number of breeding females (they had four breeding females at one point). The orangutan set up appears from the masterplan to be fewer but larger exhibits, which I imagine will accomodate a breeding population of 4-6 orangutans long term. Sending the adolescent male (Sungai) to Sydney Zoo seems an obvious move once their male passes; and Adelaide could potentially swap Kluet for Dinar to provide a new bloodline.
 
steveroberts said:
Hey Johnpaul,

Welcome to ZooChat btw.

Those exhibits were actually built in the early 1980s (completed in about or just before October 1984).

Will be interesting to see if the orangutans and tigers do swap locations at the zoo.
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Hi Steve thanks for welcoming me,

Yeah thats not actually the first time I have heard that.... I am not going to blame some of the docents but I was pretty sure it was built in the 80's and the docent assured me it was the 50's (further research tells me your correct steve :) ) But the docents are there to provide information and a good portion of them have got no clue what their talking about... I have met some really good ones who have been there for years and know what they're talking about but others take a guess and hope you you dont know anything. I will try and attach some images from one of my recent zoo visits (if I can successfully upload an image)
 
By the way if you search up wikipedia-Sumatran Tigers-In captivity: Jaya is one of the photo examples which is pretty good that Jaya is getting recognition as a tiger in australasia only because he is very over shadowed by Australia Zoo and Dream world etc for their sumatran tigers as many people don't even know Perth Zoo has a tiger :)
 
Johnpaul21 said:
Hi Steve thanks for welcoming me,

Yeah thats not actually the first time I have heard that.... I am not going to blame some of the docents but I was pretty sure it was built in the 80's and the docent assured me it was the 50's (further research tells me your correct steve :) ) But the docents are there to provide information and a good portion of them have got no clue what their talking about... I have met some really good ones who have been there for years and know what they're talking about but others take a guess and hope you you dont know anything. I will try and attach some images from one of my recent zoo visits (if I can successfully upload an image)
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Don’t worry, it’s happened to all of us. I’ve been told countless things by volunteers that are incorrect, but have a basis of fact behind them.

A few examples include:

Being told a Temminck’s golden cat never bred because he had sired many kittens. The golden cat in question had never sired a single kitten, but his mother had more litters than any other member of her species in the region, with almost every golden cat in the region being his relative.

Being told Hamilton Zoo had put a pair of Brolga’s that had been held off site on exhibit. This would have been ground-breaking news as to my knowledge there were only 2.1 in the country. Sure enough, I was correct and the pair from Auckland had transferred down.

I’ve also been given countless false leads on future developments and phase outs. If in doubt, I don’t report it on here until I found out more; or note the potential doubt in my source.
 
I’ve been following this discussion and wanted to add some more thoughts. It’s clear that many of us agree the current Sumatran tiger exhibit at Perth Zoo is outdated compared to modern tiger habitats. With the master plan in progress and the Perth Zoo Hotel project nearby, I’m still wondering whether there are concrete plans for a new or expanded tiger exhibit.


I spoke to a keeper recently, and they mentioned that before anything happens to the exhibit, they have to wait for Jaya to pass. Since he already quite old, that means any upgrades or changes will likely be a few years away at most. The big question will Perth Zoo bring in new tigers and commit to a proper upgrade, or could they phase out tigers altogether?


From what been discussed so far, it seems like most people would prefer either an expansion of the current habitat or a brand-new one. Personally, I think if Perth Zoo keeps tigers, they should invest in a modern habitat with more space and enrichment.


By the way, @Johnpaul21 pointed out that if you look up Wikipedia > Sumatran Tigers > In Captivity, Jaya is actually one of the photo examples! It’s great to see him getting some recognition, especially since Sumatran tigers in Australia are often overshadowed by Australia Zoo and Dreamworld. Many people dont even realize Perth Zoo has a tiger, so its nice to see Jaya featured.


What do you all think? Should Perth Zoo commit to a better tiger exhibit, or is it time to move on from tigers altogether?


Looking forward to hearing more thoughts!:)
 
Jaiden said:
I’ve been following this discussion and wanted to add some more thoughts. It’s clear that many of us agree the current Sumatran tiger exhibit at Perth Zoo is outdated compared to modern tiger habitats. With the master plan in progress and the Perth Zoo Hotel project nearby, I’m still wondering whether there are concrete plans for a new or expanded tiger exhibit.


I spoke to a keeper recently, and they mentioned that before anything happens to the exhibit, they have to wait for Jaya to pass. Since he already quite old, that means any upgrades or changes will likely be a few years away at most. The big question will Perth Zoo bring in new tigers and commit to a proper upgrade, or could they phase out tigers altogether?


From what been discussed so far, it seems like most people would prefer either an expansion of the current habitat or a brand-new one. Personally, I think if Perth Zoo keeps tigers, they should invest in a modern habitat with more space and enrichment.


By the way, @Johnpaul21 pointed out that if you look up Wikipedia > Sumatran Tigers > In Captivity, Jaya is actually one of the photo examples! It’s great to see him getting some recognition, especially since Sumatran tigers in Australia are often overshadowed by Australia Zoo and Dreamworld. Many people dont even realize Perth Zoo has a tiger, so its nice to see Jaya featured.


What do you all think? Should Perth Zoo commit to a better tiger exhibit, or is it time to move on from tigers altogether?


Looking forward to hearing more thoughts!:)
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Good question. Perth Zoo should definitely continue with Sumatran tigers. They’re the region’s only managed tiger subspecies and are well suited to city zoos. They’re critically endangered; a face of the palm oil conservation campaign; and enabling from a visitor perspective.

How they should continue with Sumatran tigers is the question. It’s obvious sun bears are a dead-end and if that eventuates to be the case, then the options are as follows:

A) Invest in the infrastructure needed to house a breeding pair of Sumatran tigers and their offspring into adolescence/adulthood.

B) Invest in the same infrastructure, but hold a non-breeding (sibling) pair with the additional room allocated to Sri Lankan leopard.
 
Jaiden said:
I’ve been following this discussion and wanted to add some more thoughts. It’s clear that many of us agree the current Sumatran tiger exhibit at Perth Zoo is outdated compared to modern tiger habitats. With the master plan in progress and the Perth Zoo Hotel project nearby, I’m still wondering whether there are concrete plans for a new or expanded tiger exhibit.


I spoke to a keeper recently, and they mentioned that before anything happens to the exhibit, they have to wait for Jaya to pass. Since he already quite old, that means any upgrades or changes will likely be a few years away at most. The big question will Perth Zoo bring in new tigers and commit to a proper upgrade, or could they phase out tigers altogether?


From what been discussed so far, it seems like most people would prefer either an expansion of the current habitat or a brand-new one. Personally, I think if Perth Zoo keeps tigers, they should invest in a modern habitat with more space and enrichment.


By the way, @Johnpaul21 pointed out that if you look up Wikipedia > Sumatran Tigers > In Captivity, Jaya is actually one of the photo examples! It’s great to see him getting some recognition, especially since Sumatran tigers in Australia are often overshadowed by Australia Zoo and Dreamworld. Many people dont even realize Perth Zoo has a tiger, so its nice to see Jaya featured.


What do you all think? Should Perth Zoo commit to a better tiger exhibit, or is it time to move on from tigers altogether?


Looking forward to hearing more thoughts!:)
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Hey Jaiden, am almost 100% sure Perth Zoo is committed to keeping Sumatran tigers long term (they, lions, Sumatran orangutans, sth white rhinos', giraffes, plains zebras, and at least one of their two gibbon species, plus a few others like some of their tamarins, s.c otters, meerkats, hopefully red pandas (really really hope binturongs and porcupines) etc are what would consider to be their ''secure future at the zoo'' (exotic mammal) species for PZ (as to the 'where?' the Sumatran tigers are kept is up for some speculation, although likely will bulldoze their current complex and rebuild a new habitat complex for them there, if not like @Johnpaul21 mentioned, where the Sumatran orangutan complex is now, though think they'd see dismantling their big towers at the zoo as being a waste of infrastructure that is still less than 30 years old - though quite possible they might, the structural foundaions 'footprints' of those exhibits are over 40 years old now.

Hey @Johnpaul21 yeah like @Zoofan15 said, we all get some technically not quite accurate from some docents or others at times (big salute though to the many docents and their amazing work, the 99th percentile of them + very very knowledgeable and committed to sharing info they are certain is the accurate knowledge). Personally have never seen/met Jaya but hear he is one strikingly handsome tiger, and will be missed when he decides he's ready to go to
a big jungle in the cosmos'.

I think its possible that docent is thinking of the now demolished carnivore row that stood in what was (until recently) last Permai & Tricia's yard (bulldozed in late '90s very early '000s), last held monkeys (mainly baboons and macaques) terrible cramped exhibits, or he could of been thinking of the equally archaic bear 'pits' enclosure row of concrete and bars that stood where the upper-far-left (nth-west compass wise) portion of 'Rainforest Retreat' has been for 30 years now (those bear 'pit' exhibits were built in the 1950s, vacated of its animal residents c.1988 and bulldozed in 1993. Think part of the farthermost sth-west (c.w) portion of the 'Australian Bushwalk' precinct too may have been where the north-end of those concrete bear 'pit' exhibit row stood too.

The reason I know it was late 1984 the exhibits that Jaya has roam of to himself now were opened then was I emailed the zoo in Oct' 2016 asking when the complex opened, and they replied ''..was opened to the public 17th November 1984 by the Minister for Works, Lands and Surveys Ken McIver...'' & a previous email asking about when Fury & Princess the Persian leopards arrived at the zoo they replied saying they arrived late October '84 so from that figured the exhibits were completed and ready and the cats had a few weeks settling into the exhibits before the complex was opened to visitors.


*Edit: @Zoofan15 Sorry man just saw your new post answering about the Sumatran tigers too above
 
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Some really great points being raised here! I agree that Perth Zoo should absolutely continue with Sumatran tigers. They’re such an important species for conservation and fit well within a city zoo setting. The connection to palm oil conservation also makes them a key species for visitor education.


I also agree that sun bears seem like a dead-end for the zoo, so that space could definitely be repurposed for tigers. Both options you mentioned either a breeding pair or a non-breeding pair with space for Sri Lankan leopards would be great improvements over the current setup.


If Perth Zoo commits to breeding, they ll need to make sure they have the space to accommodate cubs as they grow. Otherwise, adding Sri Lankan leopards could be a great way to diversify their Southeast Asian carnivore collection.


Does anyone know if Perth Zoo has actually considered Sri Lankan leopards before? I know they have never had them, but with National Zoo leading the regional program, it could be a good fit.


Looking forward to hearing more thoughts!
 
Jaiden said:
Some really great points being raised here! I agree that Perth Zoo should absolutely continue with Sumatran tigers. They’re such an important species for conservation and fit well within a city zoo setting. The connection to palm oil conservation also makes them a key species for visitor education.


I also agree that sun bears seem like a dead-end for the zoo, so that space could definitely be repurposed for tigers. Both options you mentioned either a breeding pair or a non-breeding pair with space for Sri Lankan leopards would be great improvements over the current setup.


If Perth Zoo commits to breeding, they ll need to make sure they have the space to accommodate cubs as they grow. Otherwise, adding Sri Lankan leopards could be a great way to diversify their Southeast Asian carnivore collection.


Does anyone know if Perth Zoo has actually considered Sri Lankan leopards before? I know they have never had them, but with National Zoo leading the regional program, it could be a good fit.


Looking forward to hearing more thoughts!
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It’s staggering to consider Perth Zoo bred three litters of Sumatran tiger cubs between 2000-2008 and managed three adult groupings several times throughout the 2000’s and 2010’s. The same could be said for Wellington Zoo, who had 2.1 adults upon the birth of their second litter in 2000, albeit with slightly larger facilities.

Sri Lankan leopard are managed by the EEP, so approval for any new holders must go through them. Zambi was recently approved, as was Tasmania and Mogo; so I don’t anticipate Perth would have any issues as one of the region’s main zoos.
 
Wow, it’s really staggering to think about how active Perth Zoo was in breeding Sumatran tigers in the 2000s and 2010s. They really had a significant role in the regional program back then, and it’s impressive that they managed to handle three litters of cubs and multiple adult groupings during that time. It just shows how capable the zoo is when it comes to tiger conservation.


Regarding Sri Lankan leopards, thats good to know! Since they’re managed by the EEP and Perth Zoo is one of the main zoos in the region, they should have no trouble gaining approval for them. It’s encouraging to see other facilities like Tasmania and Mogo getting approved recently as well.


As for where to house the Sri Lankan leopards, I think there are a few possibilities. They could have three separate habitats:

1. Where the Homestead Farm is currently located: This space could be adapted to suit the leopards needs. It might require a significant overhaul, but with enough room, it could create a dynamic and spacious environment for the leopards.

2. Where the Sun Bears are now: Since the sun bear exhibit may not be in the long-term plans, this could be a good spot for the leopards. With modifications, the space could be perfect for them, offering plenty of vertical space and privacy for the leopards.

3. Potential expansion within the existing Asian Rainforest: With some adjustments, this area could be reconfigured to add the leopards while maintaining the overall Southeast Asian theme of the exhibit.


I think a Sri Lankan leopard exhibit would definitely complement the Sumatran tigers, especially if they went with a non-breeding tiger pair. But, as you mentioned, the infrastructure for breeding needs to be carefully considered. It will be interesting to see how Perth Zoo plans to balance these species within the space they have.


Would love to hear everyones thoughts on whether Sri Lankan leopards or more tiger breeding would be a better direction for the zoo long-term.
 
Jaya at Perth Zoo is what they like to describe as an "ambassador" for his species. As he is not apart of a breeding program his role is to be there to education and encourage people to donate. Which is good :) But...... To the average Joe they have no clue how to. So there is a big sign at one of his enclosures (that previously you could put cash into) has a large QR code box. When you scan it, it's not so easy for people to just click a button and choose the amount they want to donate, No, they have to navigate all the way to "Care for animals in the wild" which has a few animals and is for sun bears, moon bears, red pandas and tigers. Which it is good to help all these animals but If you are interested in donating to just tigers its only mentioned once and has a large picture of a sun bear for the donation picture, personally they need to make it far easier and clearer to donate to tigers or other animals specifically without (what the donation lady said) leaving it in the notes section where you would like to specify for it to go. It could be so much better and we could save so many more tigers if we received the funds specifically to them and if it was made far easier and simple to do so e.g being able to use Apple pay just on your phone etc...

- My rant is over :)
 
Also I guess I'll have to wait a while to post photos directly.... I can confirm the wikepedia photo of Jaya was taken by me :) I got a mate who corrects wikepedia pages and he was able to use my photo of Jaya in the Sumatran Tiger page ;)
 
ramsayi said:
i'v seen them both at the same time, however it seems easier to spot both on days where the zoo isn't as busy, i tend to sit and wait to seem them however so i might just get lucky



did you happen to have a drink bottle anywhere visable? i noticed years ago he will sometimes charge the glass if someone has a bottle of some sort (havn't seen him do it since the decals got put up) didn't matter what drink it was but it was always bottles.

it's an interesting time for the zoo with all the changes, i do hope the reptiles get an upgrade, i spend way to much time with them lol , while they are fine i'd just love for them to get upgraded along with the larger animals.
i happened to find some old photos i have of the zoo from around 2002 i think , was interesting to see the rhino padock before it got split in to two (i only ever remember it as two)
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I have spent a lot of time with Jaya over the years and I've always thought that he has just been far more feisty and agressive compared to Setia and Dumai but I did actually have a water bottle on me, visible and I usually do so maybe your right all these years he's just been angry at the water bottle.
 
Johnpaul21 said:
I have spent a lot of time with Jaya over the years and I've always thought that he has just been far more feisty and agressive compared to Setia and Dumai but I did actually have a water bottle on me, visible and I usually do so maybe your right all these years he's just been angry at the water bottle.
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Setia’s mother Malu (1996) was a highly strung tigress; but her father Calang (1990) was noted to have had a calm disposition like his own mother. My guess is Setia (2000) took after her father and grandmother in that regard.

Dumai (2003) was hand raised and a very placid tiger, unphased by visitors. Jaya (2008) is more typical of a mother raised male.
 
Zoofan15 said:
Setia’s mother Malu (1996) was a highly strung tigress; but her father Calang (1990) was noted to have had a calm disposition like his own mother. My guess is Setia (2000) took after her father and grandmother in that regard.

Dumai (2003) was hand raised and a very placid tiger, unphased by visitors. Jaya (2008) is more typical of a mother raised male.
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Dumai was usually unphased by visitors except for this video.
 
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