On the 19th September 2016, we headed down to West Mid's Safari Park as it had been a collection that I wanted to get back to since 2009 when I visited for the only other time. A lot of things had changed from my visit, although some things never change!
Since my last visit in 2009, WMSP acquired a pure-bred pair of Sumatran tigers which was a lovely addition to the park and it's even better as it is another holder in Europe willing to take on Sumatrans! In 2011, a female named 'Hujan' arrived from Arnhem Zoo in the Netherlands. She was born on the 14th September 2006 at Chessington World of Adventures where she was apart of the trio of sisters born to then first time mother, 'Ratna'. Her two sisters, 'Bayu' and 'Deru' also headed to Arnhem Zoo with her in 2008 as Arnhem became holders of Sumatrans to gain husbandry experience with the species. In 2011, Arnhem were selected to receive a new pair, which featured 'Aryo' the male born at Paignton Zoo as part of their litter of four in 2009. The female which arrived was 'Jarum' born in 2008 herself at Krefeld Zoo to 'Sutera' and 'Beludru'. As a result of a new pairing, the three sisters, 'Bayu', 'Deru' and 'Hujan' were all shipped off to different collections. Both sisters headed off to Japan, 'Bayu' moved to Yagiyama Zoo and 'Deru' moved to Yokohoma Zoo. Unfortunately, one of the females has since died, unknown reason and it is unclear which female has passed.
Back onto WMSP, after 'Hujan' had arrived, in the same year, 'Emas' arrived from Dublin Zoo, he was born on the 29th May 2009 to 'Sigra' (Born at Heidelberg Zoo in 2000) and 'Kepala' (Born at Dublin Zoo in 2005). 'Emas' was in a litter of two with his sister, 'Wanita' who now lives in France. At birth, 'Emas' weighed 1kg and his sister weighed 0.85kg, at five months old, he weighed 22kg and his sister weighed 17kg! 'Emas' and 'Hujan' mated several times according to reports, however, with no success which ultimately led to the EEP studbook keeper moving 'Emas' to Rotterdam Zoo and 'Nakal' one of the most genetically important cubs in Europe to arrive.
'Nakal' was born on the 3rd February 2014 at ZSL London Zoo in a litter of three with his brother, 'Budi' moving to Welsh Mountain Zoo and his sister, 'Cinta' headed to Prague Zoo. Their parents are 'Melati' and 'Jae Jae', who are Australian and American imported respectively. 'Melati' was the first to arrive in September 2012 and is the daughter of 'Hari' the previous tiger cub born at ZSL London Zoo in 1995. 'Jae Jae' arrived two weeks later from Akron Zoo where he spent a year or so with his brother and sister. Originally he was born at San Francisco Zoo, whereas 'Melati' was born at Perth Zoo.
It was great to see the pair mixed, 'Hujan' is obviously the more dominant of the two and they were at opposite sides of the enclosure. It is more of relationship where they tolerant each other rather than they enjoy each other's company. It will be interesting to see what happens to the entire tiger complex once the white's are phased out. It is a huge structure, it is a huge site and we were particularly impressed with the tiger run leading from the house to the tiger ridge exhibit! A quick mention on the whites, they have five, three males and two females.
Next stop... Hmm! Thank you for reading, any questions? Feel free to ask!
