Why Yorkshire Wildlife Park's New Amur Tiger Is A Big Deal For Conservation

Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP) has just welcomed a brand-new resident—Altai, a 3-year-old Amur tiger who made a 1,135-mile journey from Norway’s Dyreparken Zoo. But this isn’t just an exciting new arrival for visitors. It’s part of a much bigger mission to protect one of the world’s most endangered big cats.

Who Is Altai And Why Is He At YWP?

Altai was born at Dyreparken Zoo in Norway and has now moved to YWP’s Land of the Tigers, a two-acre habitat filled with woodlands, grasslands, and even a waterfall pool—pretty much paradise for a tiger who loves splashing around. According to his previous keeper, Even Grønnerø, Altai is a “nice and calm tiger” who especially enjoys playing in water.

He arrived at YWP late on Thursday, 27th February. Although he was calm and quiet upon arrival, it took a tempting piece of meat from Section Head of Carnivores, Bex Brown, to get him out of his crate. From there, Altai’s confidence slowly grew, and he finally took his first steps into the main reserve, while the park’s resident tigress, Tschuna, watched from a distance and made friendly chuffing sounds to encourage him.

Why This Matters For Conservation

Altai’s arrival isn’t just about boosting the YWP’s animal line-up. It’s part of the European Endangered Species Programme, a global effort to help endangered species like the Amur tiger, also known as the Siberian tiger. These tigers are the largest big cats in the world, with males weighing between 160-190 kg and females slightly smaller at 110-130 kg.

Here’s the sad part: In the last century, three tiger subspecies have gone extinct, and Amur tiger numbers dropped to a terrifying low of around 50 individuals. Thanks to international conservation efforts, their population has improved, with a 2022 assessment by the IUCN Red List estimating numbers at between 265 and 486. But they’re still classified as endangered, and every new addition to the breeding programme counts.

What’s Next For Altai And Tschuna?

For now, Altai and Tschuna are being kept separate, giving Altai time to settle into his new home. But there are big hopes for their future. Tschuna, who arrived at YWP back in 2013, already has a successful history of raising cubs. Two years after her arrival, she gave birth to three cubs, all of whom have since moved on to other parks around the world to support tiger breeding programmes. One of her cubs is even a father now, part of the American programme at Cleveland Zoo, Ohio.

YWP’s Director of Animals, Charlotte MacDonald, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Altai here at the Park and are looking forward to Tschuna and Altai being introduced when the time is right.” MacDonald praised the efforts of keepers at Dyreparken for their excellent care of Altai, describing him as a “beautiful, huge cat” who is “very calm and receptive.”

The Bigger Picture: YWP’s Commitment To Conservation

YWP isn’t just about giving visitors a chance to see amazing animals up close. They’re serious about conservation. Through their partnership with the WildLife Foundation, the park supports projects like the WildCats Conservation Alliance and a rescue and rehabilitation centre at Alekseevka in Russia aimed at reintroducing Amur tigers into the wild.

By welcoming Altai, the park hopes he will not only be part of the breeding programme but also act as an ambassador for his species, inspiring visitors to support efforts to protect wild tigers.

More Than Just A Wildlife Park

If you’re planning a visit to YWP in Doncaster, it’s not all about tigers—though Altai and Tschuna are sure to be popular. The park also boasts incredible encounters with Polar Bears, Black Rhinos, Giraffes, and African Painted Dogs. Plus, there’s the Yorkshire Wildlife Resort, featuring The Hex Wildlife Hotel and The Yorkshire Hive, a shopping, dining, and entertainment village.

But if you do visit, make sure to swing by the Land of the Tigers. Who knows? You might just catch a glimpse of Altai having the time of his life in his new watery playground. And remember, every visit helps support efforts to protect amazing creatures like him.