Malayan Tiger Exhibit

Aug. 5th, 2012.

This looks pretty cozy for the tigers.

The exhibit is easily one of the best enclosures at Little Rock Zoo, and on a side note it is interesting as to how many Malayan tiger habitats I saw on my 50 day, 50 zoo/aquarium summer road trip. Several zoos have phased out other species to focus on Malayans.

That brings up the question, What subspecies do most U.S. zoos focus on? Back when ISIS was around, I found that Amur Tiger seemed to be the most common subspecies in US zoos, but Malayans I believe were second, as more zoos seem to be more interested in acquiring them. As you have visited tons of US zoos, which subspecies have you seen the most SL?

Good question! I used to see Amur tigers everywhere and that still might be the most common subspecies, but Malayans have definitely increased in the past couple of years. We need ISIS back online to get an accurate figure.

Malayans are probably 3rd after Amur and Sumatran. To be honest, I don't think I've ever seen a real Amur.

Huh, I'd thought Malayans were second. It might eventually turn out that way, as more zoos are becoming interested in Malayans.

No i just think that zoos such as the bronx zoo are breeding large amounts of malayan tigers. (6 in 2 years)

You are probably correct. I just read a press release from Point Defiance Zoo that listed the North American captive population of Sumatran tigers at 73, while the Malayan total is at 55. I do not know the Amur tiger numbers but I would also estimate that Amurs are the most common of the 3 subspecies that North American zoos are keeping their focus on.