TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei Zoo said Wednesday it is partnering with Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s zoo in Singapore on a Malayan tiger breeding program.

Taipei Zoo's female Malayan tiger, Serikin, arrived in Singapore early Wednesday after more than 16 hours of flight and waiting. After completing a 30-day quarantine, she will begin the pairing process, per CNA.

According to Taipei Zoo, it will also engage a male Malayan tiger from a Singapore zoo to bring to Taipei. The goal is to facilitate another breeding pair.

The zoo has two 3-year-old female Malayan tigers, Shima and Serikin. To ensure the success of the breeding program, Serikin began crate training in the zoo's tropical rainforest area at the end of last year in preparation for her flight abroad.

Also, the zoo joined the international Malayan tiger conservation program last year. It worked with the US Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums to secure the loan of two female Malayan tigers from France’s Le Parc des Felins in March 2024.

The zoo has also been collaborating with the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria since 2022 to support the WildCats Conservation Alliance.

Tigers are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with Malayan tigers categorized as "critically endangered." The zoo hopes this program will promote new breeding pairs and genetic renewal.

The zoo also borrowed a male pygmy hippo, Thabo, from Mandai Wildlife Reserve in November. After a one-month quarantine and a one-month acclimatization period, he was made available for public viewing starting Jan. 18.