Highland Wildlife Park Welcomes New Amur Tiger

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: October 23, 2020 10:50 am

Botzman the tiger when he lived at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Photo Credit: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

A male amur tiger is the latest arrival at Highland Wildlife Park near Aviemore in Scotland. Named Botzman he has been brought to the Highlands in the hopes that romance will blossom between him and resident female, Dominkia.

Botzman arrived at Highland Wildlife on October 19th 2020.

Botzman the tiger when he lived at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Photo Credit: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Keith Gilchrist, animal collection manager at Highland Wildlife Park, said, “We are very excited to welcome Botzman into our care and for visitors to meet him soon.”

“For the first few weeks he’ll be kept in a private area while he settles in and then we will slowly begin introductions with Dominika.”

Botzman came to Highland Wildlife Park from ZSL Whipsnade Zoo where he fathered three cubs in 2018. He was born at zoo in Moscow, Russia.

Botzman the tiger when he lived at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Photo Credit: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

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Graeme Williamson, team leader of predators at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, said, “Botzman is a handsome, confident cat who is known for his incredible ability to jump high up into trees to pull down his dinner. He fathered his first litter of cubs in 2018, when he proved himself to be a playful but patient father, teaching his cubs how to climb and swim.”

“He will be missed by both zookeepers and visitors at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo but his move to Highland Wildlife Park is a vital part of the European breeding programme for the species.”

“With just 500 Amur tigers remaining in the wild, it’s important that tigers like Botzman are given the opportunity to father cubs with other mates, ensuring genetic diversity in the programme and ultimately safeguarding the future of the species,” finished Graeme.

Amur tigers are endangered in the wild and breeding programs such as this one may play an important role in their survival. “any cubs Botzman and Dominika raise could represent a potentially important contribution to the future of the species, which is at risk of extinction due to extensive habitat loss and poaching,” added Keith.