ZOO INTRODUCES THREE SUMATRAN CUBS

News Source: The Range News, page 15, 3 June, 2004
By: Kate Johns

Australia Zoo has introduced three new members to the Australia Zoo family. These gorgeous new additions are Sumatran Tiger cubs at only eight weeks of age. The cubs have been hand raised since they were two weeks of age after being born at Mogo Zoo on the south coast of NSW.

The Sumatran tiger cubs are part of Australia Zoo’s tiger conservation scheme on educating the public about these magnificent creatures. The cubs will participate in an international breeding program to try and increase the number of Sumatran tigers.

At the moment there are an astonishing 300 to 400 Sumatran tigers remaining in the wild. With over 50 Sumatran tigers being killed annually for bones and body parts which are used in Traditional Chinese Medicines around the world. Australia Zoo is planning to have the best Tiger conservation destination in the world.

“We have less than 400 Sumatran tigers in the world with 200 in captivity – we need to change that” said Steve Irwin. ”We have set aside 100 acres out the back to build a multi-million dollar tiger facility which will be the largest in the world.”

All proceeds from the tiger souvenirs at Australia Zoo goes towards tiger conservation.