Blackpool Zoo Will Mark the Chinese Year of the Tiger With the Arrival of a Male Amur Tiger

By Paula Holden

Blackpool, UK - Watch out……Watch out…..there’s a tiger about!

Half term will see Blackpool Zoo mark the Chinese Year of the Tiger with the arrival of Zambar, a male Amur Tiger.

Born at Marwell Zoo in March 2004, he will arrive in early February to take up residence in his own paddock and will be joined by a female later in the year.

From Sunday 14th through to Saturday 20th February the zoo will celebrating Zambar’s arrival by hosting a tiger themed week with talks, scheduled feeds, a tiger trail, a name that tiger competition and a 21st Century Tiger collage workshop.

A special ‘I Love Tigers’ adoption package will be on sale to celebrate Valentines Day.

In addition, there will be a ‘Tiger Presentation’ by the zoo’s Research and Conservation Officer Lou Bell on the 14th, which is only open to the zoo’s 3000 members.

Visitors are also urged to leave packed lunches at home and sample some of the special Chinese options available in the main café.

Proceeds from the week will be donated to 21st Century Tiger, which has sent more than a million pounds to over 100 wild tiger conservation projects in eight countries since 1997.

Jude Rothwell, PR and Marketing Co-ordinator at Blackpool Zoo said: “It is very exciting that Zambar is coming to the zoo and the Chinese New Year makes it perfect timing.

“Everyone here hopes that 2010 will be our Year of the Tiger and when Zambar is joined by a female we will hopefully be looking forward to hearing the pitter patter of tiny stripy feet.

“We have chosen to donate to 21st Century Tiger in recognition of the fantastic work it continues to do across the globe.”

The Amur Tiger is the largest member of the big cat family and is an endangered breed.

They can mate at any time of the year and produce litters of between three and six cubs after a three month gestation period.

Blackpool Zoo’s tiger enclosure has been undergoing refurbishment over the winter in readiness for Zambar and his future mate.

Renovated indoor viewing areas coupled with a landscaped outdoor paddock means visitors will be able to see the majestic animals in an environment similar to that they would roam in the wild.

For more information about events at the zoo please visit www.blackpoolzoo.org.uk.

Blackpool Zoo is owned by Parques Reunidos, the second largest European leisure parks operator and a leading world wide player.
Blackpool Zoo is home to over 1,500 mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates set amidst thirty-two acres of mature woodland and lakes. The zoo’s signature animals include elephants, giraffes, big cats, gorillas, orangutans, sea lions, primates, zebras and kangaroos.
Blackpool Zoo is open every day from 10am.
Blackpool Zoo, East Park Drive, Blackpool, FY3 8PP. Tel: 01253 830830.

To view Blackpool Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-121-Black_Pool_Zoo