29-03-2025
PHOTOS: Amur tigers share enclosure at Hogle Zoo for first time as keepers look to breed them
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Sasha and Nikolai — a pair of Amur tigers — now share an enclosure at Utah's Hogle Zoo as zookeepers look to breed the animals.
'Through years of careful planning, dedication, and collaboration, our teams began introducing resident Amur tigers Sasha (5) and Nikolai (14) for the first time for breeding season earlier this year,' a social media post from Hogle Zoo states.
The pair reportedly came to Hogle Zoo on a breeding recommendation from The Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, an initiative that looks to maintain a healthy, genetically diverse population of endangered species.
UDOT is adding new lights on traffic signals at several intersections — here's why
'Introductions began with 'howdys,'' the post states, 'meeting through mesh barriers–before sharing space in their outdoor habitat. Introducing any pair of animals requires thoughtful planning and preparation, but this is especially true for apex predators like Amur tigers.'
According to the zoo, tigers often have 'spats' as they learn to share space with one another, exhibiting behaviors like 'swatting or roaring' to establish boundaries. Hogle Zoo's animal care team reportedly closely monitors these behaviors to ensure that any signs of aggression don't lead to injuries or even deaths.
'Our teams are fully prepared with tools like CO2 canisters, air horns, and other deterrents to ensure safety,' the post states. 'So far, Sasha and Nik show encouraging signs–vocalizing to one another, resting near each other, and demonstrating positive behaviors that indicates comfort in shared space.'
The shared enclosure is a significant step towards breeding — a process that takes months of planning and dedication, according to Hogle Zoo.
You can learn more about Nikolai and Sasha, as well as breeding updates, here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
