Captive breeding Sumatran Tigers

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http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/SC0610/S00037.htm

Molek part of global effort for Sumatran tigers

*Wednesday, 18 October 2006, 11:13 am

Press Release: Auckland City Council **AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE *

 

*18 October 2006 *

 

*Zoo's new arrival Molek part of global effort for Sumatran tigers *

 

*Sumatran tiger Molek, a mate for male Oz, has arrived at Auckland Zoo to

progress the international captive breeding programme for this critically

endangered big cat, now numbering fewer than 400 in the wild. While breeding

will be a priority, of equally high importance will be advocacy and growing

the direct support role the Zoo plays for Molek and Oz's cousins in the

wild, via the 21st Century Tiger project - Kerenci Seblat National Park. *

 

*Yesterday afternoon six-year-old Molek was transported from Hamilton Zoo,

and moved into a separate enclosure alongside Israeli-born Oz at the new

Bakers Delight Tiger Territory. Keepers expect Molek's renowned

vocalisations will quickly attract the attentions of Oz. However, being

solitary animals requiring their own territory, keepers will facilitate a

very gradual introduction to help minimise the risks involved. *

 

* " Once adequately acquainted, mating needs to be timed with Molek's cycle

and take place on her turf, " says Auckland Zoo carnivore keeper Sandra Rice.

A breeding pair of Sumatran tigers is a first for Auckland Zoo, and a

decision decided on in collaboration with regional partners, the

Australasian Association of Zoological Parks & Aquaria (ARAZPA) and European

Association of Zoos & Aquaria (EAZA). Potential offspring will go to other

zoos in these regions. Worldwide, there are fewer than 200 Sumatran tigers

in captive (zoo) facilities, 24 are in Australasia. *

 

* " This is a great opportunity for us to contribute to the Sumantran tiger

population outside of Indonesia, and our thanks go to the support of our

close partner, Hamilton Zoo, " says Auckland Zoo curator, Brooke Noonan. *

 

* " Captive breeding is a genetic banking exercise that zoos just can't afford

not to do, given the drastic drop in wild populations from illegal poaching

and destruction of Sumatran rainforest for commercial and illegal logging,

and palm oil plantations. At the current rate, not only could the world lose

the Sumatran tiger in under 15 years, but also the Sumatran orang utan. " *

* * **

 

**

 

*But captive breeding for any endangered species is an insurance policy, not

a solution. To contribute to solving the underlying problems, zoos are

increasingly working together and with other organisations, to support

conservation projects (local and overseas) in the wild - as is being done

with the Sumatran tiger. Through its Conservation Fund, Auckland Zoo has

joined with already supporting ARAZPA and EAZA partners, to financially

support the 21st Century Tiger project's Kerinci Seblat National Park. " We

hope that seeing these beautiful cats at the stunning new Bakers Delight

Tiger Territory and taking the time to learn about the Sumatran tiger story

told here, will give visitors a great experience - and one that will inspire

them to want to make a practical difference, " says Brooke Noonan. *

 

*Auckland Zoo's Tiger Welcome Weekend this Labour Weekend, and upcoming

Conservation Fund event, 'Cocktails for Cats' at Ivy Bar in Kingsland on 4

November, are ways people can support Sumatran tigers. For further details

about these events and the Zoo's new tigers Oz and Molek, visit

www.aucklandzoo.co.nz ENDS For further information, please contact: Jane

Healy, communications & promotions co-ordinator Auckland Zoo. ph (09)

360-3804 or 027 291 9773 ABOUT AUCKLAND ZOO Auckland Zoo is an enterprise of

Auckland City. It is home to the largest collection of native and exotic

wildlife species in New Zealand (over 1900 animals and 200 species) and

attracts over half a million visitors annually. It is becoming increasingly

well known nationally and internationally through the award-winning

television programme, 'The Zoo'. At the heart of all Auckland Zoo's work and

activities is its MISSION: " to focus the Zoo's resources to benefit

conservation and provide exciting visitor experiences which inspire and

empower people to take positive action for wildlife and the environment " .

Auckland Zoo is a member of both the Australasian Regional Association of

Zoological Parks & Aquaria (ARAZPA) and the World Association of Zoos &

Aquariums (WAZA). *

 

*ACT LOCAL, THINK GLOBAL Wherever you live, how you use and care for the

environment has flow-on effects. Here are some easy, practical ways you can

assist Sumatran tigers, and all other animals in the wild: Don't buy

products from companies that destroy natural habitat. In the case of timber,

look for FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). *

 

*Be aware Kwila and teak are two tropical rainforest timbers, often

harvested illegally and sold as furniture here in NZ Reduce, Reuse and

Recycle, and where you can walk or use public transport Don't buy products

that support animal testing Never purchase animal products or parts when

overseas - i.e. corals, ivory, 'medicines' that contain animal products Find

out about sustainable palm oil by visiting: www.palmoil.org.uk www.rspo.org

www.grasp.org.au *

 

*21st Century's Kerinci Seblat National Park World Heritage Site Kerinci

Seblat National Park 14,000km is one of the most important conservation

areas in South-east Asia, that due to its large areas with natural prey and

fewer predators, holds the best hope for long-term tiger conservation. Its

Tiger Protection and Conservation Units work to halt the poaching and

trafficking of tigers and work alongside villagers to prevent tiger-human

conflict. Since its launch in 2000, the project has had significant

successes. *

 

*ENDS*