A safari park has said a 'bittersweet' goodbye to one of its beloved endangered tigers.
Lestari, a Sumatran tiger cub born at Bewdley-based West Midlands Safari Park in 2023, is the park’s first-ever cub of the critically endangered species.
She has now been moved to Twycross Zoo under the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) in the hope that she will one day raise cubs of her own.
Her early life was not without challenges.
At just four weeks old, keepers noticed weakness in her front limbs.
Thanks to a physiotherapy programme developed by the park’s veterinary and carnivore teams, which included exercises and walking aids, Lestari was able to grow into a healthy and playful tiger.
Kasha Carter, head keeper of carnivores at West Midlands Safari Park, said: "We have had a really fantastic journey with her, and she is going to be missed by us all."
With fewer than 400 Sumatran tigers remaining in the wild, every successful breeding opportunity plays a vital role in securing the future of the Critically Endangered species.
West Midlands Safari Park described her departure as 'bittersweet,' saying it was proud of her progress and hopeful for the next stage of her journey.
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