Meet Raja, the newest resident of the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. The 2-year-old critically endangered Sumatran tiger was revealed to the public last weekend (June 19-20) and could hold the key to protecting the Sumatran tiger species.

Rajas definitely not in Kansas anymore, but Tacoma welcomes the tiger with open arms and the possibility he brings.

Raja moved from Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center to Point Defiance Zoo in an attempt to boost breeding and ensure the future survival of the big cat species. With roughly 400 remaining, zoos joined the Species Survival Plan for Sumatran tigers to protect the critically endangered species from disappearing entirely because of habitat loss, poaching, lack of prey, and tiger-human conflict. Point Defiance Zoo has become a leader in Sumatran tiger conservation efforts, along with a list of other endangered species.

We are proud to be part of the conservation community working to ensure this species is around for future generations, Dr. Karen Goodrowe Beck, the general curator and Species Survival Plan coordinator for all tiger species at the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, said in a press release.

Rajas valuable genetics are vital to the survival of his species, Dr. Goodrowe Beck said. In the future, Raja will likely father the cubs of the three female Sumatran tigers housed at the zoo: Kali, Kirana, and/or Indah.

Visit Raja in the Asian Forest Sanctuary section of Point Defiance Zoo and stay tuned for news of Sumatran tiger cubs in the future.

Read more here:
Lions, More Tigers, and Bears, Oh My! Meet PDZA's Newest Resident Tiger - southsoundmag.com

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