We have a new male Amur tiger

Ambassador was born at the end of May 2024 and comes from a litter of three siblings. He was transferred to Zlín based on the recommendation of the coordinator of the European Endangered Species Programme for Amur tigers. He is expected to become the new partner of the seven-year-old tigress Samba.

After his arrival, the male spent his first week in the breeding facilities. During this time, he had sufficient peace for acclimatization, while keepers monitored his health, food intake, and reactions to the new environment. He was also gradually introduced to his future partner, Samba. The indoor enclosures are separated, allowing both animals to perceive each other through scent, sound, and visual contact without direct interaction. This method is a standard part of introducing large carnivores and helps minimize the risk of conflict.

According to the keepers’ observations, the initial interactions between Ambassador and Samba have been very positive. If everything continues as expected, the zoo plans to bring them together at the beginning of May, first in the indoor enclosure and later in the outdoor habitat.

The new male tiger is now regularly entering the spacious outdoor enclosure and is currently alternating with the tigress Samba every other day. Although Ambassador will only be two years old in May, he is already considered an impressive and beautiful male.

The zoo has high hopes for this new breeding pair of Amur tigers. Successful reproduction would not only be a significant achievement for the zoo but also an important contribution to the international breeding program. Each cub born represents a valuable addition to the genetic diversity of the species, which is becoming increasingly rare in the wild.

The Amur tiger is the largest species of cat in the world, with adult males weighing up to 300 kilograms. Due to poaching and habitat loss, it is among the most endangered animal species. In the wild, it now inhabits only a fraction of its original range in the Russian Far East, North Korea, and northern China. The population is estimated at around 550 individuals, with 95% living in the Russian Far East. Approximately one thousand Amur tigers live in zoos worldwide.