LOVED up Sumatran tigers at West Midland Safari Park were given a special Valentine’s Day treat with some heart-shaped enrichment.
Keepers at the Bewdley attraction treated male tiger Nakal and his female companion Hujan to a blood-filled frozen ice block in an attempt to encourage the couple to get closer and successfully breed.
Hujan was the first to start playing and licking the ice before Nakal got over his initial reluctance to join in.
Carnivore Keeper Holly Clayton-Wright, said: “Our Sumatran tigers are absolutely fantastic animals and we really hope that their Valentine’s enrichment will encourage them to become even more fond of each other.
Nakal is quite a timid cat, whereas Hujan is extremely playful and inquisitive - she can be quite bossy and definitely rules the roost!”
She added: “The pair have been given a recommendation to breed by the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), but so far we haven’t been successful.
“However, regular enrichment that encourages the cats to work their claws and interact with each other can help to bring them closer together.
“It’s really important that tigers in captivity breed successfully due to the extremely low numbers in the wild.”
While the enrichment treats are light-hearted, the serious side to the Safari’s park’s work is to ensure the conservation of the critically endangered animals – of which there are as few as 400 left in the wild.
Protecting Tigers is one of the Safari Park’s conservation campaigns for 2018 and there will be an entire week dedicated to the conservation of tigers this summer. Various competitions and fundraising will take place during Tiger Week, with funds raised going directly to the WCA.
The Sumatran tigers are part of the park’s four-mile safari included in standard admission charge of £24 for adults, £19 for children and £22 for concessions. Admission includes a Free Return Ticket. Adventure Theme Park rides are charged extra. For the chance to meet the tigers, VIP Tiger Feeds are also available.
Further information and tickets are available from the Park’s website www.wmsp.co.uk or by telephone 01299 402114.
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