New Malayan tiger ‘Jango' arrives at Zoo Knoxville
The zoo made the announcement on Wednesday, saying the tiger named 'Jango' arrived from Dickerson Park Zoo. According to Zoo Knoxville, Jango has been settling into his new home and will eventually be introduced to Batari, the zoo's 11-year-old female Malayan tiger, as part of a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan.
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'We're excited to welcome Jango to Zoo Knoxville and to play a role in the survival of his species,' said Bill Street, Zoo Knoxville's President and CEO. 'Pairing Jango with our female Batari is an important step in ensuring the future of Malayan tigers, and we hope their introduction will contribute to the preservation of this critically endangered species.'
There is estimated to be fewer than 200 Malayan tigers in the wild, meaning Jango's genetics are crucial to maintaining a healthy and diverse population under human care. The Zoo's website lists the tigers as 'critically endangered,' with only an estimated 4,500 being left in the wild between all subspecies.
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Previously, Zoo Knoxville explained that tigers can be difficult to breed as the species is solitary and only comes together for breeding in the wild. The zoo had hoped to see sparks fly between Batari and 16-year-old male tiger Tahan, who arrived at Zoo Knoxville in 2023. The Zoo also shared in 2023 that Malayan tigers are often moved from zoo to zoo in hopes of making a match.
Although the possibility of a match between Batari and Jango is still up in the air, Zoo Knoxville said guests will be able to see Jango in the Tiger Forest habitat as he settles into his new surroundings.
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