The role of zoos in tiger conservation
Much of what we know about tigers comes from the study of tigers in zoos and the zoological community plays a key role in modern day conservation of wild tigers.
Zoos contribute to tiger conservation in four ways:
- Preserving genetic diversity over time
- Educating and informing visitors
- Fundraising for conservation
- Gathering information
Tiger Territory
We hope that Tiger Territory at ZSL London Zoo will educate, inform and inspire over one million visitors a year about the plight of the Sumatran tiger.
Tiger Territory is also a specialist breeding centre for tigers. By maintaining a genetically-diverse captive population of Sumatran tigers, we are creating a 'genetic lifeboat' in case of future need to supplement wild tiger populations or reintroduce tigers to areas from which they have vanished. Tiger Territory's two Sumatran tigers, Jae Jae and Melati, are the most genetically important pair of tigers in Europe. With high hopes for breeding resting on the pair, their cubs would be the first to be born at ZSL London Zoo for more than 15 years.
By buying a ticket to visit ZSL London Zoo you are helping to support tiger conservation in the wild.
Tigers and ZSL
ZSL is a leading international conservation charity working to achieve the conservation of animals and their habitats through our work in zoos and in the wild.
ZSL’s technical knowledge and behavioural understanding of tigers is unparalleled. We have trained some of the leading tiger conservationists, such as our own Big Cat expert Sarah Christie, and we co-ordinate the global breeding programme for this critically endangered species.
We are actively working working with tigers in areas of most pressing need, including Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Russia.
Give Tigers a Tomorrow
Visit Tiger Territory at ZSL London Zoo and your ticket will help ZSL to continue working in Sumatra to save this charismatic carnivore.
