Submitted
Rolling Hills Zoo (RHZ) is delighted to introduce its newest resident, Viktoria, a female Amur tiger, born in March 2022 at the Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot, North Dakota.
Described as spirited and spunky, Viktoria's zest for life is evident in her playful interactions, and she has already captured the hearts of her keepers. Viktoria is an eager participate in targettraining with a fondness for bones and diverse enrichments, including scents, spices, boxes, paper and pumpkins.
One of her distinctive features is a speckling on her lower legs, adding to her charm and individuality.
As part of a trio of cubs, Viktoria, along with her siblings Luka and Dmitri, are reaching the cusp of adulthood – a time when fully grown cubs find their independence. While Viktoria will not reach sexual maturity until the age of three or four, her move to Rolling Hills Zoo came on abreeding recommendation as part of the SSP (Species Survival Program).
Prior to Viktoria’s arrival, Dhenuka, the Zoo’s male Amur tiger, moved to another facility on a similar breeding recommendation. Once Viktoria reaches sexual maturity RHZ will receive a male Amur tiger as part of the SSP’s breeding plan.
Sadly, tigers are on the brink of extinction. Just over a century ago, 100,000 wild tigers roamed across Asia. Today, fewer than 3,900 live in a mere 4% of their historic range, and there are estimated to be between 265 and 486 Amur tigers remaining in the wild.
Along with the other four tiger subspecies, Amur tigers are one of the most endangered carnivores on Earth. Their dwindling population is due to poaching and deforestation, resulting in loss of habitat.
Visitors are invited to come out and enjoy Viktoria's captivating presence and spirited antics as she settles into her new home at Rolling Hills Zoo.
About Rolling Hills Zoo
Rolling Hills Zoo is a 65-acre zoological park which includes a world-class wildlife museum is committed to wildlife conservation, education, and providing exceptional experiences for their visitors. Situated just west of Salina, Kansas, the zoo offers a diverse range of exhibits, educational programs, and conservation initiatives, fostering a deeper understanding of our natural world by touching hearts igniting passion in an effort to save wildlife.
About Species Survival Program (SSP)
The Species Survival Program is a collaborative effort among accredited Association of Zoos & Aquarium (AZA) zoos to manage and conserve threatened or endangered species populations. By coordinating breeding programs and conservation strategies, SSPs aim to maintain healthy and genetically diverse populations of animals under human care.