Sunset Zoo has announced the birth of its first-ever Malayan tiger cubs, a significant milestone in their conservation efforts. The cubs were born to resident tigers Indrah (female) and Jaya (male) on August 23, 2024. This marks a crucial victory for the global effort to save this critically endangered species, bringing positive hope for Malayan Tiger survival
.A Mission Rooted in Conservation Sunset Zoo has a mission to inspire conservation of the natural world. In that mission, the Zoo is dedicated to preserving and protecting wildlife and ecosystems through education, conservation, and research. The birth of these cubs exemplifies the commitment to endangered species and reinforces our mission to:
- Conserve biodiversity by participating in the Species Survival Plans (SSP) a cornerstone of the Association of Zoo and Aquariums (AZA), which focuses on the sustainable future of endangered animals through careful breeding efforts.
- Educate the public about the importance of wildlife conservation and the critical roles species like the Malayan tiger play in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
- Inspire future generations to be stewards of wildlife and our planet by offering immersive, impactful experiences that connect people to the natural world.
The successful birth of these tigers is a triumph for Sunset Zoo and conservationists worldwide who are striving to protect Malayan tigers and other endangered species from extinction.
The birth of these cubs represents a crucial contribution to the global Malayan tiger population. Sunset Zoo, now a breeding facility for Malayan tigers, is possible due to the creation of Expedition Asia an immersive habitat of Asian animals featuring Malayan tigers, sloth bears, and Amur leopards, all of which are highly endangered. The habitats all have birthing dens, off-site bedrooms, and large yards for each animal species. The expansion was made possible by private and public partnership fundraising cost 4.3 million dollars, and opened in the spring of 2022. Expedition Asia was a dream made possible by the late Chuck Jackson of Manhattan, Kansas who was the lead donor making the facility a reality today.
In the next few months, a team of zookeepers and veterinarians will closely monitor the cubs to ensure they grow healthy and strong. As they develop, there will be updates on their milestones, from their first steps to their introduction to the outdoor habitat.