Two of Rosamond Gifford Zoos Tigers to Find New Home at Alaska Zoo

Korol and Kunali, Amur tiger brothers born at Rosamond Gifford Zoo on June 7, 2004, will soon be leaving Syracuse for their new home at the Alaska Zoo in Anchorage, Alaska. The exact date of their relocation has not yet been determined, giving visitors an opportunity to bid them farewell over the next couple of weeks.

“This is a great opportunity for these tigers to serve as ambassadors for their species and for the Rosamond Gifford Zoo,” says Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney. “Hopefully, by sharing our tigers we can help educate the public about the importance of respecting and protecting this endangered species.”

“We’re happy that Korol and Kunali can make this journey together,” says Chuck Doyle, director of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. “Tigers are naturally a solitary species, but Korol and Kunali have been raised together and get along well.”

The move was recommended by the Species Survival Plan (SSP), a program administered by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Amur tigers, also called Siberian tigers, are an endangered species with less than 400 individuals left in the wild. The SSP works to manage the captive species in order to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining population that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable. The young brothers’ relocation will diversify the population of Amur tigers throughout the United States and thus aid the survival of this rare species. Korol and Kunali leave behind father (Karana), mother (Tatiana), and sister (Naka), all of which remain on exhibit on the Wildlife Trail at Rosamond Gifford Zoo.

““We are looking forward to having Korol and Kunali join our family of animals here at the Alaska Zoo,” says Patrick Lampi, executive director of the Alaska Zoo. “We are honored that the Rosamond Gifford Zoo is entrusting its tigers to our care. Thank you for being part of the Species Survival Program and giving our community the opportunity to experience these wonderful animals.”

Zoo keepers from the Alaska Zoo will come to Syracuse to accompany Korol and Kunali on a special Federal Express flight to Anchorage. The tigers will be given access to food and water, and will be able to eat, drink and rest during their travels.

The Alaska Zoo, established in 1969, is the only zoological park in the state. It is home to more than 130 animals, and specializes in animals from artic and sub-arctic climates, including polar bears, seals and wolves. Resting on 25 wooded acres, the Alaska Zoo is located just 15 minutes south of downtown Anchorage. Korol and Kunali will live in a habitat constructed for the zoo’s original tigers in 1995. The half-acre exhibit has three dens and is filled with trees, grasses, a pool, natural vegetation, hills and plenty of areas for the tigers to sun bathe during the Alaskan summer days of midnight sun.

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