Welsh Mountain Zoo celebrates International Tiger Day

Rhyl Journal

7 days ago

Aiming to shine a spotlight on the critically endangered Sumatran tiger, the week-long celebration is running from July 29 to August 3.
The zoo has a history of successfully breeding the species and is using the event to raise awareness and support for tiger conservation.
Alex Davies, education manager at the Welsh Mountain Zoo, said: "International Tiger Day is a vital opportunity to highlight the plight and urgent need to protect these critically endangered big cats.
"Through hosting engaging events here at the zoo, we can inspire the current and next generation of wildlife conservationists to raise awareness and much-needed funds for our partner, the WildCat Conservation Alliance, whose work is crucial for the survival of tigers in the wild.
"Through successful collaboration with in-situ projects and our own EEP programmes here at the zoo, we can ensure a brighter future for Sumatran tigers."
Fewer than 450 Sumatran tigers remain in the wild, making captive breeding efforts essential for the species' survival.
Throughout the week, visitors have been enjoying a range of free activities, including educational talks on tiger conservation and the zoo's own Sumatran tigers, a tiger trail challenge, craft sessions, and enrichment demonstrations.
The WildCat Conservation Alliance, supported by the zoo, is an international organisation focused on the protection of wild tigers and Amur leopards.
It is a partnership between the Zoological Society of London and the Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation.
Current estimates suggest there are around 100 Amur leopards and 4,000 tigers left in the wild, though these numbers have stabilised in recent years due to conservation efforts.
Zoos have played a key role in supporting the WildCat Conservation Alliance, donating more than £2.7 million to tiger and Amur leopard conservation since 1997.