The Buffalo Zoo is excited to announce the arrival of Ash, a female Amur tiger who comes to Buffalo on a Species Survival Plan recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Ash is just under two years old and arrived from the Toledo Zoo where she was born on July 20, 2023. She was named Ash through a naming contest, and has a sister at the Toledo Zoo named Ember.
Ash arrives in Buffalo on a breeding recommendation, with the goal that she will eventually breed with the zoo’s male Amur tiger, one-year-old Sungari, who came to the Zoo earlier this year. The hope is that the two will form a strong bond and eventually contribute to the continued genetic diversity of the species.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Ash to Buffalo,” said Lisa Smith, president and CEO of the Buffalo Zoo. “Much like when Sungari arrived earlier this year, Ash represents a significant step in our conservation work, and the potential for a future breeding success is something we’re all looking forward to.”
Keepers describe Ash as sweet, chatty and curious. She can be a bit shy, but she certainly has her bolder moments as well. She also has a fun quirk as she seems to love falling asleep upside down on her back!
Amur tigers, also known as Siberian tigers, are listed as endangered in the wild by the IUCN Red List. It was estimated in 2022 that around 350 remain in the species’ native habitat, the forests of the Russian Far East and northeast China. The Amur tiger is the only tiger subspecies that has adapted to live in cold, northern climates.
Ash and Sungari will reside alongside an elder female Amur tiger, Zhanna, who recently turned 17. Ash will be gradually introduced to her new environment and to Sungari under the careful supervision of the zoo’s expert animal care team. While she continues to acclimate, guests may begin seeing her in the outdoor habitat as her comfort level increases.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit buffalozoo.org.
