Alif and Raya’s next chapter
Alif and Raya’s next chapter
In January 2023 we announced the birth of Sumatran tiger cubs, Raya and Alif. Now, two years later, the cubs have left the zoo to play their part in the global conservation programme for this critically endangered species.
In the wild, Sumatran tiger cubs will leave their parents when they have reached maturity at around two years old to find their own territory; Raya and Alif’s move to Łódź Zoo in Poland replicates this natural progression. The move also allows us to ensure that variety is maintained in the genetic pool, allowing for a healthy future generation of tigers in the conservation of the species.
There is a lot of preparation and careful planning that goes into moving a powerful predator like a tiger to a new location, with our tiger keepers playing a vital role in their safe journey. The team spent over three months getting the pair used to being in a special tunnel in an indoor area within their habitat so that they could travel safely through to a connected crate on moving day. Some of the tigers’ favourite foods would then tempt them through safely to the crates.
This was the first time we have moved two tigers together which meant that there were double the tasks to complete on moving day! The vet team was on hand to monitor the tigers’ health and ensure they were fit and well throughout the process. We used a specialist animal transport company to take Alif and Raya via ferry to their new habitat in Poland, where they have settled in well.
Alif is a much more laidback, inquisitive character who likes to know everything that’s going on, while her sister, Raya, is much more stand offish and wary. We knew from early on that we would want to move Raya first as she was the more cautious of the two.
Kat Theobald, Lead Keeper, Chester Zoo
Alif is a much more laidback, inquisitive character who likes to know everything that’s going on, while her sister, Raya, is much more stand offish and wary. We knew from early on that we would want to move Raya first as she was the more cautious of the two.
Kat Theobald, Lead Keeper, Chester Zoo
SUMATRAN HOMELAND
The smallest of the six tiger subspecies, the Sumatran tiger is classed as critically endangered by the IUCN.
With as little as 350 tigers left in Sumatra, they face many threats, including poaching for their skin and teeth for use in Asian traditional medicine and habitat destruction from the increasing human population.
As well as caring for Sumatran tigers here at Chester Zoo, we’re working on a variety of projects to help save the species from extinction, from tackling deforestation through our sustainable palm oil campaign, to our involvement in the Action Indonesia global species management plans (GSMPS).
These GSMPs are collaborative efforts by over 60 international organisations, including zoos, governments, conservationists, and academics from around the world, to help to save four of Indonesia’s most threatened species, including the Sumatran tiger.
MUM AND DAD REUNITED
The departure of Alif and Raya has meant that mum and dad, Kasarna and Dash, have been reunited in their habitat, spending time as a pair again. The cubs were the first litter for Dash and Kasarna and there are hopes that Alif and Raya will go on and have cubs of their own at some point in the future - contributing to the vital conservation of their species.
PLAY YOUR PART
Treat the tiger lover in your life with an adoption, including a welcome pack and thank you recognition here at the zoo.
Our tiger adoptions give us key funds for our vital conservation efforts and other projects that both support communities and help to prevent extinction around the world.
PLAY YOUR PART
Treat the tiger lover in your life with an adoption, including a welcome pack and thank you recognition here at the zoo.
Our tiger adoptions give us key funds for our vital conservation efforts and other projects that both support communities and help to prevent extinction around the world.
