Timmy the Tiger Arrives at Potter Park Zoo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: September 11, 2021 1:11 pm

Timmy the tiger can now be seen patrolling his enclosure at the Potter Park Zoo in Michigan

Photo Credit: Potter Park Zoo

Timmy the tiger, the newest arrival at Potter Park Zoo has meet guests for the first time this week following his arrival in June. Keepers had allowed Timmy time to settle in to his new home.

Arriving from Detroit Zoo the move is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Amur tiger species survival program (SSP) which provides guidance to ensure the population of this species is genetically diverse.

At present 104 Amur tigers which reside at AZA accredited zoos across North America.

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Animal care staff who have cared for Timmy since his arrival describe him as an easy going tiger and report that he has adjusted to the environment quickly. On the day he arrived he was already feeding and this has allowed keepers to continue his training program.

“Training builds habits that makes routine care easier and safer for both the animal and the trainer,” said animal care supervisor Pat Fountain. “Timmy arrived with several learned behaviors, and our staff will continue to reinforce and optimize them in the coming years.”

Amur tigers are highly endangered in the wild and less than 600 remain in the wild of Eastern Russia and Northeast China. Poaching and deforestation is a major contributing factor that continues to threaten the population.