LR Zoo welcomes new tiger

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Little Rock Zoo announced the arrival of Suhana, a 4-year-old Malayan tiger from the Baton Rouge Zoo, who will soon be paired with Liku, the Zoo’s 8-year-old Malayan tiger living at the Zoo since 2006.

The arrival of Suhana comes at the recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Special Survival Plan (SSP) for the Malayan tiger, a group of experts in the field of animal care who make breeding and companion recommendations to ensure the long-term survival of endangered species, such as the Malayan tiger.

The Zoo’s other male tiger, Intan, brother to Liku, was sent from the Little Rock Zoo to the Baton Rouge Zoo to breed with Suhana’s sister, Nazira.

After a short acclamation period, zoo staff will begin the careful practice of introducing Suhana to Liku. The two tigers currently rotate on exhibit with Suhana going outside in the morning and Liku going outside in the afternoon. The two tigers cannot see each other behind-the-scenes in their indoor enclosure, but can smell each other and often call to each other.

The Zoo’s tiger exhibit will be renovated to provide for two yards: one for Liku and one for Suhana and her cubs once they are born.