Home / Environment / Paignton Zoo Welcomes Sumatran Tiger to Breed and Boost Dwindling Wild Population
Paignton Zoo Welcomes Sumatran Tiger to Breed and Boost Dwindling Wild Population
9 Aug
Summary
- Sumatran tiger named Dao arrives at Paignton Zoo from Ireland
- Fewer than 400 Sumatran tigers remain in the wild
- Zoo plans to pair Dao with a genetically compatible female tiger
In a significant conservation effort, Paignton Zoo in Devon has welcomed a three-year-old Sumatran tiger named Dao. Dao arrived at the zoo last month from Fota Wildlife Park in Ireland, marking the "beginning of an exciting conservation chapter" for the critically endangered species.
According to Lisa Britton, the head of living collections at Paignton Zoo, Dao's young age means there is "potential to welcome multiple generations of cubs over the coming years." This is crucial, as the International Union for Conservation of Nature has stated that Sumatran tigers have been critically endangered for more than 20 years, with fewer than 400 remaining in the wild.
The zoo's exchange with Ireland is part of the European breeding program for endangered animals, and every pairing is "carefully planned to maximize genetic diversity." Over the next 6-12 months, conservation experts will identify a genetically compatible younger female tiger to join Dao at Paignton. With habitat destruction and poaching continuing to threaten wild populations, the zoo hopes that visitors can "see conservation in action and understand their role in supporting these vital efforts."
