Disney World Announces Endangered Tiger Pregnancy. What a huge milestone for the Disney Conservation team at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom. With fewer than 400 Sumatran Tigers left in the wild, and under 600 total in the world, Disney has achieved a huge milestone with the pregnancy announcement today. The Sumatran tiger is the smallest subspecies of tiger in the world and is found only on the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
These magnificent, elusive big cats are listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict. For now, you can head over to Animal Kingdom and check out the Maharajah Jungle Trek to get a look at the soon-to-be mother! Disney will make an announcement when the baby is born and it will be weeks to months before guests spot the cub.
From Dr. Mark Penning aka DrMarkatDisney: “Sohni”-gram alert🚨 First look 👀 If you’re visiting Maharajah Jungle Trek, be sure to congratulate the soon-to-be parents. I’ll give you a hint. Think stripes on Maharajah Jungle Trek!🐅 We’re carefully monitoring mom and her expectant bundle of stripes and will share more soon.
Related: Disney Disney You Know: 8 Endangered Species You Can See at Animal Kingdom
Tigers at Walt Disney World Resort
Sleek and powerful, tigers are the ultimate apex predator. Prowl on over to the expansive tiger habitat on the Maharajah Jungle Trek to encounter the rarest of all the tigers—the Sumatran.
Tigers in the Wild
Tigers can be found in tropical rainforests, mangrove swamps and forests that provide dense cover, access to water and sufficient large prey. They currently survive only in scattered populations from India to Southeast Asia.
The Sumatran tiger is the smallest subspecies of tigers in the world and found only on the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
Tigers at Disney: Home Away from Home
The tiger habitat at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park is designed to cater to the unique needs of tigers based on their natural history. It features hills, water, shade trees, rocks and logs that provide natural opportunities for the animals to communicate, rest, hide and explore—just as they do in the wild. Pools and fountains provide a great place to cool off, while fallen trees are natural scratching posts.
Veterinary Care and Animal Training
Our tigers learn to participate in their own dental, medical and health care. Following a hand signal or verbal cue from an animal care expert, tigers present their tails and paws for a daily check-up, or position themselves for an ultrasound or blood draw—even an injection!
Tigers are enthusiastic learners, which makes the work of our animal care professionals easier. All training is accomplished through protective barriers to ensure the safety of both animals and people.
Animal Enrichment
Animal enrichment is an important way our animal experts provide the animals with choices and encourage natural behaviors. Enrichment such as hiding meat in sacks throughout the habitat or providing a ball sprayed with perfume encourages behaviors like foraging, stalking, running and scent-marking.
You Can Help Tigers, Too!
What can one person do to help tigers in the wild? More than you think!
Shop Naturally
Make sure any products you buy are sustainable and “wildlife friendly,” especially if they contain palm oil. You can also help tigers by purchasing wood products made of sustainable wood, which helps protect their forest habitats. When buying travel souvenirs, make sure they are eco-friendly and wildlife-friendly.
Bamboo for You
Clearing of hardwood forests threatens tiger habitats. Look for products made of responsibly grown bamboo instead. Properly managed, bamboo is a sustainable, sturdy and multipurpose alternative to popular hardwoods.
