Conservation

The Alexandria Zoo’s pledge to help preserve tigers goes back to the 1990’s beginning with the Panthera tigris sumatrae (Sumatran tiger). In 1992, after constructing a natural habitat for tigers at the Zoo, we took the first steps in committing to the tiger Species Survival Plan (SSP) program by accepting a non-breeding pair of Sumatran tigers. Contributions were made and FOTAZ donated funds to help construct a research center in Sumatra for studying tigers in the wild.

In 2001, after our remaining Sumatran tiger was sent to another facility for a breeding program, the SSP coordinator offered Alexandria Zoo 1.1 Panthera tigris corbetti (Indochinese tiger) that were born at the Cincinnati Zoo. Even though these were siblings, it was the chance to obtain Indochinese tigers, one of the most endangered of the tiger subspecies and our original choice with which to participate in tiger preservation programs. Zoo Director, Les Whitt, has always recognized that providing holding space for offspring, individuals or non-breeding pairs of animals can be vital to the success of any SSP program.

In 2007 the Alexandria Zoo and FOTAZ Board of Directors took a bolder step in the conservation of tigers by dedicating monies to SSP to assist in the importation of new founder’s stock which would increase biodiversity in captive tigers. By doing so, our facility is guaranteed at least one unrelated tiger, possibly a pair, in hopes of establishing a breeding program with tigers of diverse genetic background. If this happens, the two Indochinese tigers presently at the Zoo, would be sent to other facilities to pair with other tigers.

Exhibiting tigers at the Alexandria Zoo is not just for recreation of the visitors, although the desires of our visitors play an important role in decisions about the Zoo’s collection plan. Housing tigers provides an avenue whereby we can educate the public and promote appreciation of all wildlife. It is important that visitors understand the plight of all animals, from the small tiger salamander to the magnificent Indochinese tiger.

Of the eight known tiger subspecies, three are already extinct - Bali tiger in 1930’s, Caspian tiger in the 1970’s, and the Javan in the 1980’s. All five remaining subspecies (Bengal, Indochinese, Siberian, South China and Sumatran) are endangered. It is estimated that less than 1,500 Indochinese tigers remain in the wild. Determining exact numbers is difficult because these tigers exist in such a wide range from forests to mountainous terrain.

Tigers being hunted as trophies or for body parts, being poached by farmers, as well as the encroachment of humans and constant loss of habitat are factors contributing to their critical status in the wild. Some reports state that almost three-fourths of the Indochinese tigers killed end up in Chinese pharmacies because tiger bones and body parts are thought to have medicinal and magical powers. It is thought that one Indochinese tiger is killed each week by poachers, making the disappearance rate of this subspecies faster than any other.

Protection for tigers was established under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) where 120 nations agreed to eliminate illegal trade in animals and plants. Also under the Endangered Species Act, importation of tiger parts and products into the U.S. is prohibited except under certain conditions. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the federal agency responsible for the U. S. government’s compliance with these wildlife laws. Although laws exist, so does the black market where poachers are rewarded substantially for tiger parts.