Sumatran tiger

He’s sleek, he’s handsome, and he’s a potential father.

Bandar, born at Smithsonian’s National Zoo on Aug. 5, 2013, arrived here in January, 2019 to be a potential mate for a female tiger. We’re hoping he’ll help his endangered species grow in numbers through the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan.

Kali was born here on April 17, 2013. Because she was hand-raised, she’s very interactive with her keepers. Kali loves attention and will sometimes whine when she thinks she’s not getting enough of it, keepers say! She’s pretty laid back most of the time but will protect what’s important to her – like her dinner.

Unlike most tigers, she isn’t a huge fan of swimming. But she’s a training rock star, say keepers, lying still as long as they need her to for important health tests. She has a lot of energy, and likes to play with a weighted ball that comes back up if you push it down.

And of course, being a cat, she loves rabbits and “blood-sicles” for treats!

Indah is one of the tiger triplets born at Point Defiance Zoo in 2014. For nearly two years, visitors had the rare privilege of watching the three young tigers grow from small bundles of orange and black fluff to maturing adolescents. In 2016, Indah left Point Defiance Zoo as part of a recommendation by the Species Survival Plan® for Sumatran tigers. In 2021, we welcomed her back home to Tacoma.

Keepers describe Indah as a “calm, mellow tiger who goes with the flow.” They say she’s also very social and personable, and chuffs at the other tigers, “a tiger sign of friendliness.” She is a fast learner and loves to explore.