Tiger profile: Melati
Find out all about the female resident of ZSL London Zoo's brand new exhibit Tiger Territory.
Melati is a young female Sumatran tiger with delicate feminine features. She is noticeably smaller than male Jae Jae.
Moving to ZSL London Zoo from the west coast of Australia, Melati lived in Perth Zoo with her twin brother Jaya until she was two years old, when they were moved into separate enclosures.
Her father Hari was the last Sumatran tiger cub to be born at ZSL London Zoo, so she’s returning to her British roots.
Zookeepers say that Melati is an intelligent and careful cat – taking her time to assess situations before jumping in paws-first. Unlike her new roommate Jae Jae, Melati prefers to get to know people before deciding whether she likes them but she’s a loyal friend once she does.
Currently playing it cool with Jae Jae, Melati can’t help but show off her flirty feline side when around him, quietly chuffing in his direction and sidling up to him when they’re playing in the paddock.
Tigers live in a world of smells and keepers regularly spray perfume around Tiger Territory as enrichment for the big cats. Melati is a girls’ girl through and through – her favourite scent is the ultra- feminine Chanel No.5!
Tiger Territory is now open to the public.
Name:
Melati
Species:
Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae)
Gender:
Female
Birthdate:
August 2008
Birth Zoo:
Perth Zoo, Perth, Australia
Weight:
82kg
Other residences:
Melati lived at Perth Zoo since birth
