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Jalur and Wanita's love at first sight
The two Sumatran tigers, Wanita (the female) and Jalur (the male) are the two heroes of La Flèche zoo. A wealth for the animal park since there are only 4 or 5 specimens in France.
(Article from August 16, 2013)
“In the morning, it can be quite a festival. We hear growls and roars all the way to the other end of the park! Cyril Hue, veterinarian and animal manager at La Flèche zoo, has a nice smile.
Given the enthusiasm shown by his star couple of Sumatran tigers, there are only four or five in France, a happy event will not be long in coming. Happy event for two reasons: the species is very close to extinction, with at best half a thousand specimens still alive on its island of origin, and births in captivity
But for now, Wanita, a beautiful 4-year-old female, and her even beefier 6-year-old companion, Jalur, are playing shy.
[...]
“Jalur came to us from Stuttgart Zoo in January 2009. We were on the waiting list to get him a fertile female, but when she arrived, things went wrong! The two tigers did not get along at all, they fought all the time. Madame had to be sent back. A few months later, we tried with a second female, but it was rodeo again. Fights, wounds, that didn't fit either. »
Enter Wanita, born at Dublin Zoo and of reproductive age. All the Irish being friendly, even the tigers, “just arrived, it was love at first sight”, remembers the veterinarian.
"We didn't put them together right away. But, from the start, Wanita came to rub against the bars. The two exchanged growls. They often remain glued to each other for a long time. »
Except at mealtimes where, there, it's no longer fun. “At the end of the day, both of them, especially Jalur, are a little more stressed. They know it's almost time for the food distribution! »
Obviously, among tigers, the notion of a romantic dinner has yet to be invented....