We are starting the Year of the Tiger by announcing the newest member to The Big Cat Sanctuary family, Kirana, a retired 15-year-old Sumatran tiger who has joined us from Chester Zoo.
Kirana has been an important member of the international breeding programme for Sumatran tigers, successfully producing cubs in 2011, 2013 and 2015. She has played a vital part in the protection of the critically endangered Sumatran tiger species and will be living out her retirement years at The Big Cat Sanctuary.
The name Kirana is of Indonesian origin and means beautiful sunbeam, a fitting name for such a stunning tiger. Age is simply just a number for Kirana, and she is known to enjoy pole-feeds during her time at Chester Zoo which the keeping team at the Sanctuary will continue to provide for her!
Her arrival was seamless, and she was safely let into her den on the afternoon of 20th January. Kirana has found a new favourite spot which is inside her cave where she has been seen curled up keeping herself nice and comfy. As expected, Kirana is taking a little bit of time to adjust, but we are sure that after a few more weeks she will be more settled in her new home.
This year will be very important for the Sanctuary, as not only has Kirana joined our other tigers on-site; Puna, Amasia and Baikal but we will be raising awareness for tigers around the world for Year of the Tiger. Tigers are an iconic species and an important member of the cat family. Historically, over the years at the Sanctuary, we have helped to participate in European Endangered Species Breeding Programme to help protect Amur tigers and Sumatran tigers. These gorgeous creatures have helped to build up the Sanctuary’s image and represent us even in our logo.
We have many projects this year to support our conservation efforts and it is with your help and support we are able to do this, so thank you.
Take part in one of our amazing animal experiences at The Big Cat Sanctuary including big cat experiences, photography experiences, safari lodges and overnight safari stays, ranger for a day experiences and our big cat afternoon tea with Paul Hollywood. You can also adopt a big cat and help the conservation efforts that support our amazing animals!