The 250-pound male tiger arrived in November from Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon, and has been settling in behind the scenes getting to know his new home.
“Bini is an absolute delight. He has a great temperament, is playful in nature, and remarkably brave as he gets to know his new surroundings,” said Telena Welsh, the Curator of the zoo’s Asian Forest Sanctuary. “He’s already showing interest in the other tigers and is adapting with confidence.”
Bini arrived in Tacoma on a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan® for Sumatran tigers. He is expected to play a vital role in the breeding program, with a formal recommendation to pair with female tiger Mawar, 6. Over the coming months, Bini will gradually be introduced to her under close observation to ensure both cats remain comfortable and confident throughout the process.
There are only about 400 tigers in the wild on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. There are fewer than 75 Sumatran tigers in accredited North American zoos, making the genetics of Bini and the zoo’s females highly valuable.
“We’re working hard to protect and boost the population of this critically endangered species,” said Welsh. “Species Survival Plans help ensure a healthy, genetically diverse, and self-sustaining population, safeguarding the long-term future of these majestic big cats.”
Guests can see Bini as he rotates with other Asian species around the five habitats of the Asian Forest Sanctuary.
Point Defiance Zoo is a recognized leader in Sumatran tiger conservation, collaborating with organizations such as the Wildlife Conservation Society and Tiger Conservation Campaign to protect tigers in the wild. Donations to the zoo’s Dr. Holly Reed Wildlife Conservation Fund help mitigate human-tiger conflict and support anti-poaching efforts in Sumatra.