Nashville Zoo‘s Tiger Crossroads exhibit opens to the public on April 12 at 9:30 AM. The exhibit features three four-year-old female Sumatran tigers.
The Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) is the smallest tiger species in the world! They live between 10-15 years in the wild and up to 20 years in human care. Unfortunately, they’re critically endangered and on the IUCN Red List.
“We are very excited to have Sumatran Tigers here at Nashville Zoo and to share their conservation story,” stated David Oehler, Nashville Zoo Vice President. “With less than 400 individuals left in the wild, it is extremely important to have our guests see these magnificent animals up close and to provide information on how to protect the tigers’ remaining habitat. Protection of targeted habitats from threats, such as conversion of forests into palm oil plantations, is needed to create sustainable landscapes for these elusive animals to survive.”
Huntley, Ace
The Nashville Zoo is committed to supporting the Tiger Conservation Campaign (TCC) by helping them protect and grow tiger populations in their habitats. Nashville Zoo has made a long-term commitment to the TCC and their initiatives to minimize human/tiger conflict in Sumatra. The Zoo and TCC’s joint goal is to prevent the killing or unnecessary removal of tigers from their natural habitat by local communities.
The exhibit was originally built in 1989 as a black bear exhibit and then homed the Bengal tigers until 2015. It was in need of renovation so they enlarged the tigers’ habitat and night quarters and they added a new indoor viewing area for guests. The building even has an interactive training window where guests can see keepers working with the tigers! The Nashville Zoo will also have displays to engage and educate visitors about tiger conservation.
Find out more about the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere here.
