Philadelphia Zoo welcomes two new residents: endangered big cats now on display.
Philadelphia Zoo has welcomed two new inhabitants, thereby increasing its population of big cats. The newcomers, Rory, a 4-year-old Amur tiger, and Rafferty, an 8-year-old Amur leopard, arrived earlier this summer as part of a strategic initiative aimed at conserving endangered species. Both animals are now on display in their respective habitats at the zoo’s Big Cat Falls exhibit.
The introduction of Rory and Rafferty to the Philadelphia Zoo is a noteworthy aspect of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan Program, which is dedicated to preserving species that are on the brink of extinction. The Amur tiger population is critically low, estimating fewer than 500 individuals remaining in the wild. Meanwhile, Rafferty’s species, the Amur leopard, faces an even more dire situation, with wild population estimates hovering below 150.
The zoo’s vice president of animal well-being and conservation, Rachel Metz, emphasized the institution’s commitment to engage in conservation efforts. The arrival of these two big cats not only enhances the zoo’s animal collection but also aligns with their broader mission of protecting endangered species from extinction.
Typically, newly acquired animals undergo a quarantine phase before being introduced to the public. Rory and Rafferty began appearing more regularly in July, and their visibility has increased in recent weeks as they acclimate to their new environment.
Both the Amur tiger and the Amur leopard are native to the Amur River Valley in Russia, near the Chinese border. These species face numerous threats that contribute to their dwindling populations, including poaching and habitat destruction. As part of ongoing efforts to encourage breeding among endangered species, the zoo plans to pair Rory and Rafferty with potential mates that are already part of the zoo’s collection.
Rory is expected to pair with either Wiz or Dimitri, two 13-year-old Amur tiger brothers, while Rafferty will be matched with Kira, an 11-year-old female Amur leopard. Rory, who weighs around 300 pounds, was born at the Toledo Zoo in Ohio and has notably long whiskers compared to other tigers at the Philadelphia Zoo. Rafferty, born in February 2017, previously had cubs at another zoo, and his unique feature is his heterochromatic eyes, which are being monitored closely for health purposes.
As of now, the two new residents have not yet been introduced to their prospective mates, but animal care staff are vigilant for signs that indicate readiness for such interactions. Historically, the zoo has had successful breeding outcomes with these species, witnessing the birth of Amur leopard cubs in both 2000 and 2002, and a litter of Amur tigers in 2017. The zoo remains hopeful for future successful breeding efforts, aiming to welcome cubs in the years to come. This increase in biodiversity is not only a win for the Philadelphia Zoo but also for global conservation efforts aimed at ensuring the survival of these magnificent creatures.
Earlier this year, the zoo also celebrated the birth of seven Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoise hatchlings, marking a significant milestone in their 150-year history of breeding and conservation work.
This ongoing commitment to wildlife preservation underscores the importance of zoos in protecting endangered species and educating the public about conservation issues.