The Big Cat Sanctuary is delighted to introduce a new arrival: Kemala, a two-year-old Sumatran tiger!
Kemala joined the Sanctuary on Thursday 23rd October from Parken Zoo in Sweden, where she was born in a litter of four on 3rd June 2023. She will be spending some time with us here in the peaceful Kent countryside, where she can settle in and enjoy her new surroundings before moving on to take part in an important breeding programme in the future.
Sumatran tigers are the smallest of all tiger subspecies and are found only on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Sadly, fewer than 400 remain in the wild, making the role of conservation and responsible breeding programmes vital for their survival. Sumatran tigers are classed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Kemala is part of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), a coordinated initiative that works with sanctuaries and zoos across Europe to maintain a healthy, genetically diverse population of Sumatran tigers. This programme plays a crucial role in safeguarding the long-term future of this critically endangered species.
It has now been nearly three weeks since Kemala arrived at the Sanctuary. Kemala is a young tiger and this is the first time she has been away from her family. She is taking her time to adjust to her new environment and has already found a favourite spot, relaxing inside her cosy cave!
This marks an exciting chapter in Kemala’s journey as she learns to embrace independence and explore her surroundings before joining the breeding programme in the future. Visitors will be able to see Kemala in her habitat at the Sanctuary, where she’s already showing her elusive, yet lively personality.
We’re thrilled to welcome Kemala to The Big Cat Sanctuary and look forward to watching her thrive during her time with us.
Welcome to your countryside retreat, Kemala!