Paignton Zoo welcomes new Sumatran tiger to boost breeding programme

Paignton Zoo has taken delivery of a new tiger named Fabi.

The eight-year old male Sumatran tiger has arrived in Devon from Chester Zoo where he fathered 7 cubs with resident female Kirana, who was born back at Paignton in 2006.

It's hoped he will be able to provide the same breeding success with female Shakira in his new surroundings.

Fabi travelled the 250 miles via the M6 and M5 in a purpose-built travel crate. The two animals are both important genetically, ranked in the top 15 Sumatran tigers in Europe.

Fabi has already fathered 7 cubs and is among the top 15 tigers of his breed in Europe. Credit: Paignton Zoo

Paignton Zoo’s previous male Sumatran tiger, Tenang, had to be put to sleep because of illness, but in his time he successfully sired 4 cubs, including Kirana, that have all gone on to breed at other zoos.

Paignton Zoo Curator of Mammals Neil Bemment said:

Sumatran tigers are Critically Endangered, with just 300 thought to remain in the wild. Their numbers continue to decline due to habitat loss, poaching and human-tiger conflict, meaning the insurance population to be found in zoos is vitally important to the future of the species.