Buffalo Zoo announces arrival of new female Amur tiger
The Buffalo Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of Ash, a female Amur tiger who comes to Buffalo on a Species Survival Plan recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Ash is just under 2 years old and arrived from the Toledo Zoo where she was born on July 20, 2023. She was named Ash through a naming contest, and has a sister at the Toledo Zoo named Ember.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Ash to Buffalo,” said Lisa Smith, President and CEO of the Buffalo Zoo. “Much like when Sungari arrived earlier this year, Ash represents a significant step in our conservation work, and the potential for a future breeding success is something we’re all looking forward to.”
Keepers describe Ash as sweet, chatty and curious. She can be a bit shy, but she certainly has her bolder moments as well. She also has a fun quirk: she seems to love falling asleep upside down on her back!
Ash arrives in Buffalo on a breeding recommendation, with the hope that she will eventually breed with our male Amur tiger, 1-year-old Sungari, who came to the Zoo earlier this year.
Amur tigers, also known as Siberian tigers, are listed as endangered in the wild by the IUCN Red List. It was estimated in 2022 that around 350 remain in the species’ native habitat, the forests of the Russian Far East and northeast China. The Amur tiger is the only tiger subspecies that has adapted to live in cold, northern climates.
With this in mind, it is critical that breeding plans like the AZA’s are in place to help save these incredible species. The Buffalo Zoo is proud to take part in the Amur tiger Species Survival Plan, as well as countless others. It is a reflection of our longstanding commitment to our conservation mission, and ensuring a future where wildlife thrives.
Ash and Sungari will reside alongside our elder female Amur tiger, Zhanna, who recently turned 17. The three tigers will be rotating regularly on exhibit.
Be sure to say hello to Ash and welcome her to Buffalo when you see her at the Zoo!
