I hope that you are right. We would love to make these spaces available for Snow Leopards, Sumatran Tigers and the like. But that isn't going to happen any time soon. Even IF we do ever achieve ZAA membership, we have been told that we would have to wait between 7 to 10 years to get Sumatrans surplus to the breeding programme. Heaven help us, I could be dead by then! And I haven't been game to ask about Snow Leopards. So we are learning how to make things happen for ourselves.
Hi Steve I hope that you are getting a similar increase in visits to youractual zoo as well as to your website. So long to wait for surplus tigers! Even longer to have breeding tigers I assume.
G'day jay, After a patchy January, we have just recorded our best ever February business - thanks to the cubs. Your assumption about breeding tigers is correct - even though some ZAA zoos are hybridising their Sumatrans with generics. I guess you just have to be on the "in" crowd. There is one comparative ZAA newcomer, who has never held tigers or any big cats before, who is getting non-breeding Sumatrans this year. Another member of long standing, who holds both lions and tigers, has yet to be considered for Sumatrans.
Symbio? It's not far from me, about a ten minute drive. I will probably have a look when they get them. It's not a place i visit often.
I was a bit peeved when I read this one. To hold a species you need to be able to show experience in similar species. What experience do they have with any large carnivores? Compared to a zoo like Darling Downs which has a combined experience of more than many in the industry!
Firstly - I didn't mention any names. Secondly - the ZOO doesn't need show previous expertise or experience. It does need to show that it has the STAFF with the expertise and experience.
I was under the impression ARAZPA (not DII) preferred animals to go to institutes that could show experience in caring for similar species. Happily corrected.
From the photos I've seen they are very nice cats though. Glad they are having the desired effect. ya'll deserve it!
With the number on Sumatran Tigers being born in the region in resent times (plus the imports) I am surprised any zoo in the country would have to wait that long?