Disney introduced two new tiger cubs to the Maharajah Jungle Trek at Disney's Animal Kingdom in 2017, twins Anala and Jeda, the first Sumatran tiger cubs ever born at the theme park. Jeda was taken care of as part of a campaign to save critically endangered Sumatran tigers. She was recently transferred to the San Antonio Zoo to support the Species Conservation Strategy.
Moving in to San Antonio
Jeda, who is currently three years old, is a new addition to the San Antonio Zoo. In the coming weeks, zookeepers will introduce him to the zoo's resident female Sumatran tiger, The Royal Ja'Malle. It's ideal if the two animals mate as part of the Species Conservation Programme, which seeks to save the critically endangered species by sound reproduction, much as his parents Sohni and Malosi, did at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
In an Instagram post San Antonio Zoo said, "Grrr-eat news! We're ecstatic to introduce you to a new member of the SA Zoo family - Jeda, the 3-year-old male Sumatran tiger!
In the coming weeks, he'll get to know his surroundings and eventually meet our resident female Sumatran tiger, The Royal Ja'Malle!
Our hope is that they will eventually contribute to the Species Survival Plan for this critically endangered species through successful breeding."
Jeda and Anala
Jeda is one of the famous Disney tiger twins Jeda and Anala. These renowned animal twins made their television debut on "Good Morning America" after being born at Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort Florida.
The critically endangered Sumatran tiger cubs born in August became the first tigers to be born at Animal Kingdom.
They were raised as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan conservation initiative, which encourages responsible breeding of endangered and threatened species.
Related Article: Rare Sumatran Tigers Born In Indonesia and US Zoos
Sumatran Tiger
Researchers found that forest fragments outside of Sumatra's Bukit Barisan National Park were surprisingly rich in wildlife -- including critically endangered species such as Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae).
The Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) is the smallest and darkest of the tiger subspecies, with more bearded and maned fur than the others. Indonesia's only surviving island tiger can be found in a variety of habitats, including sub-mountain and mountain woodland, lowland forest, and peat forest.
In Sumatra, it is estimated that there are between 400 and 500 wild tigers living in isolated patches of protected land. Three of the protected areas are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Still, they are all in danger of losing their designation due to challenges such as poaching, unregulated mining, agricultural encroachment, and proposed road construction. For these reasons, the Sumatran tiger is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN: The species is critically endangered.
Tiger Conservation
The Rimbang Baling Ecosystem, including Rimbang Baling Wildlife Reserve, Bukit Batabuh Protection Area, and Bukit Bungkuk Nature Reserve, is a crucial part of one of the Central Sumatra Tiger Conservation Ecosystems. In cooperation with WWF Indonesia, a consortium led by WWF Germany is working to enhance and reinforce the management of key sites within the Rimbang Baling Landscape, which includes Rimbang Baling Wildlife Reserve Bukit Batabuh Protection Forest, and Bukit B. The ecosystem is crucial for the Sumatran tigers' long-term survival because it serves as both a tiger source site and a vital corridor for tiger migration through the area.
Also Read: Tiger Stripes: Mathematical Models Explain Pattern, Orientation
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