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Introduction to TigersCurrently, the Tiger Sanctuary is home to twenty tigers, the largest collection within the UK. Originally, the Isle of Wight Zoo's involvement with this species was mainly orientated towards breeding. However, the emphasis has now shifted towards the care of unwanted or surplus tigers that need a long-term home. Consequently, the tigers come from a variety of backgrounds. To prevent excessive in breeding, the Isle of Wight Zoo supports international efforts to conserve this species by not breeding its particular tigers. Tigers are the largest members of the Panthera genus of cats. They evolved in Asia over two million years ago and have always been restricted to this continent in the wild. They are solitary living, adaptable cats and are found living from the snowy forests of Siberia to the steamy jungles of Sumatra. Tigers are the only truly striped species of cat. Today, tigers are recognised as an endangered species. Although huge global steps are being taken to prevent their extinction in the wild, they continue to face the dangers of habitat loss and direct killing. The Isle of Wight Zoo is committed to protecting these animals in situ via its Kanha conservation project. Find out more about Tigers. Tiger Subspecies: Indian Indo-Chinese South Chinese Siberian Sumatran |
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