TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A male Malayan tiger from Singapore Zoo arrived safely in Taiwan as part of an international conservation effort to protect one of the world’s most endangered big cat subspecies, Taipei Zoo said Saturday.
The tiger, named Arhaa, is expected to be paired with Shima, a female Malayan tiger housed at the zoo. Zookeepers hope the two will eventually mate to support the global population of the critically endangered species, according to CNA.
The Malayan tiger holds deep cultural significance in its home country. Two of the animals are depicted on the national coat of arms of Malaysia, symbolizing strength and courage, according to the World Wide Fund for Nature.
Smaller than other regional subspecies such as Indonesia’s Sumatran tiger and South Asia’s Bengal tiger, the Malayan tiger can still grow up to 2.5 meters in length and weigh up to 130 kilograms. Its coat is slightly darker than that of other tigers, according to Tai Sounds.
Born on Dec. 27, 2020, at the Singapore Zoo, Arhaa weighs 138.6 kg. Per standard protocol, he will undergo a mandatory one-month quarantine before any physical introduction to Shima.
Known for his stable temperament, Arhaa has shown no aggression toward keepers. During Friday’s transfer, he adapted quickly and entered his travel crate in less than a minute, the zoo said.
Under the global ex-situ conservation program for Malayan tigers, zoos and institutions coordinate transfers to create new breeding pairs and maintain genetic diversity.
The collaboration with the Singapore Zoo includes two-way exchanges. On Feb. 25, a female Malayan tiger named Serikin was sent from Taipei to Singapore as part of the same program.
The zoo also noted that July 29 is International Tiger Day, a global event promoting wild tiger conservation and habitat protection. To mark the occasion, the zoo will host three rounds of pop-up educational sessions near the Malayan tiger exhibit, inviting visitors of all ages to participate.
