20 August 2009

Environment Minister Donna Faragher today acknowledged Western Australians who have contributed in helping preserve the critically endangered Sumatran Tiger.

Mrs Faragher said donations to Perth Zoo’s Wildlife Conservation Action (WCA) programme assisted in the preservation of the Sumatran Tiger in the wild.

“This includes the funding of wildlife protection units which patrol Bukit Tigapuluh National Park in Sumatra, Indonesia, where there are known to be 45 Sumatran Tigers.

“The wildlife protection units counter illegal logging and animal poaching.

“In the past two years, the Zoo has raised more than $470,000 for WCA.”

Mrs Faragher was speaking at Perth Zoo today during the first birthday celebrations for the three Sumatran Tiger cubs born to Setia and Hair.

“The cubs are part of an Australasian breeding program to increase bloodlines and contribute to internationalbreeding efforts and Perth Zoo’s success so far should not be underestimated,” Mrs Faragher said.

“The work is important regionally and internationally, with Perth Zoo collaborating effectively with Australian and overseas zoos on captive breeding programs.

“Today’s event is a measure of the success of the Zoo’s breeding campaign which is helping maintain gentic diversity within the Sumatran Tiger subspecies in captivity.

“Setia, the eight-year-old mother, and Hari, the 12-year-old father, have produced three fine cubs which will go to new homes in Australia or overseas in a year or so, in line with breeding recommendations as part of the international program.”

Sumatran tigers are the smallest of the five surviving sub-species of tiger (Panthera tigris), and fewer than 400 are left in the wild. They remain under threat from habitat destruction, poaching for fur and body parts and conflict with humans.

Visitors to the Zoo can contribute to Wildlife Conservation Action at the donation box at the tiger exhibit, or by contacting Perth Zoo on 9474 0350.