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Jackie Chan's Tigers: A Bold Plan for Extinct Species
14 Sep
Summary
- South China tigers are being rewilded in South Africa.
- Jackie Chan served as an ambassador for tiger conservation.
- New facilities in China aim to prepare tigers for reintroduction.
The South China tiger, once native to southern and central China, is now considered likely extinct in the wild. Conservation efforts have historically focused on captive breeding, but the Save China's Tigers project, supported by ambassador Jackie Chan, introduced a novel approach.
This project transferred captive-born South China tigers to South Africa starting in 2003. In semi-wild conditions at the Laohu Valley Reserve, these tigers were given opportunities to develop crucial hunting and survival behaviors. Research indicated these animals could learn to hunt and reproduce, demonstrating a potential pathway beyond zoo enclosures.
China is now expanding rewilding infrastructure. In June 2025, Fujian authorities launched a new training base at the Meihua Mountain South China Tiger Breeding Research Institute. This facility aims to further prepare captive tigers for eventual release into suitable habitats within their historical range.
Genetic studies highlight challenges, with the captive population stemming from few founders, emphasizing the need for careful breeding to maintain diversity. Simultaneously, researchers are identifying suitable habitats within China, assessing prey availability and climate change impacts. These combined efforts are shaping the future possibility of reintroducing the South China tiger into the wild.
