Critically endangered tiger arrives at Edinburgh Zoo

Lucu, the four-year old critically endangered Sumatran tiger arrived at Edinburgh Zoo yesterday and owners hope he will encourage future breeding.

Before his trip to Edinburgh, Lucu was living at Paignton Zoo in Devon where he was born in 2016.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, which owns Edinburgh zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park, hope that their new big cat will encourage breeding in the future.

Once he has settled in his new surroundings, he will be introduced to the zoo’s female Sumatran tiger, Dharma.

Lucu the tiger arrived at the zoo yesterday. Credit: RZSS

Darren McGarry, head of living collections at RZSS, said, “We are very excited to welcome Lucu into our care and for visitors to meet him soon.

“It will take a couple of days for him to settle in and explore his new home, and we will slowly begin introductions with Dharma in the months to come.”

Darren added, “Sumatran tigers are critically endangered in the wild and any cubs Lucu and Dharma raise would be a potentially important contribution to the future of the species, which is at risk of extinction due to extensive habitat loss and poaching.”

Visitors may be able to spot Lucu in his indoor area over the weekend at Edinburgh Zoo’s Tiger Tracks.

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