New Tiger Arrives at Little Rock Zoo
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: May 25, 2012
A new tiger has arrived at the Little Rock Zoo.
Her name is Suhana. She's a four-year-old Malayan tiger who comes to Arkansas from the Baton Rouge Zoo. Suhana will soon be paired with Liku, the zoo's eight-year-old Malayan tiger. Liku has lived at the zoo since 2006.
The arrival of Suhana comes at the recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium's Special Survival Plan (SSP) for the Malayan tiger, a group of experts in the field of animal care who make breeding and companion recommendations to ensure the long-term survival of such endangered species.
The zoo's other male tiger, Intan, brother to Liku, was sent from the Little Rock Zoo to the Baton Rouge Zoo to breed with Suhana's sister, Nazira.
After a short acclamation period, zoo staff will begin the careful practice of introducing Suhana to Liku.
The two tigers currently rotate on exhibit with Suhana going outside in the morning and Liku going outside in the afternoon. The two tigers cannot see each other behind-the-scenes in their indoor enclosure, but can smell each other and often call to each other.
The Zoo's tiger exhibit will be renovated to provide for two yards: one for Liku and one for Suhana and her cubs once they are born.
Click here for more information about Malayan tigers.
Photo Courtesy: Jessie Little
Her name is Suhana. She's a four-year-old Malayan tiger who comes to Arkansas from the Baton Rouge Zoo. Suhana will soon be paired with Liku, the zoo's eight-year-old Malayan tiger. Liku has lived at the zoo since 2006.
The arrival of Suhana comes at the recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium's Special Survival Plan (SSP) for the Malayan tiger, a group of experts in the field of animal care who make breeding and companion recommendations to ensure the long-term survival of such endangered species.
The zoo's other male tiger, Intan, brother to Liku, was sent from the Little Rock Zoo to the Baton Rouge Zoo to breed with Suhana's sister, Nazira.
After a short acclamation period, zoo staff will begin the careful practice of introducing Suhana to Liku.
The two tigers currently rotate on exhibit with Suhana going outside in the morning and Liku going outside in the afternoon. The two tigers cannot see each other behind-the-scenes in their indoor enclosure, but can smell each other and often call to each other.
The Zoo's tiger exhibit will be renovated to provide for two yards: one for Liku and one for Suhana and her cubs once they are born.
Click here for more information about Malayan tigers.
Photo Courtesy: Jessie Little
