A tiger has been moved from Longleat Safari Park in Warminster to Blackpool Zoo’s Big Cat Habitat.
Rusty is a male Amur tiger who was born at the safari park in 2019 alongside his sister, Yuki, to parents Yana and Red and he was an instant hit with visitors.
Blackpool Zoo opened its £1.5 million Big Cat Habitat to the public in May 2023 and it’s also home to African lion Khari and his pride Narla, Emma and Hira, as well as Alyona the Amur Tiger.
Rusty will live in the Big Cat Habitat at Blackpool Zoo which was designed and built to meet the demands of the animals who will call it home.
Happy 15th birthday to our beautiful Amur tiger, Alyona 🐯
— Blackpool Zoo (@BlackpoolZoo) June 2, 2023
📸 Steve Ryder pic.twitter.com/HfP6CRKX5H
Big Cat Habitat boasts more indoor space and a larger off-show management area with extended external paddocks and improved keeper facilities.
Rusty is not expected to be seen by visitors at Blackpool Zoo for a few more days as he gets used to his new home.
Darren Webster, Zoo Director at Blackpool Zoo, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Rusty to Blackpool Zoo and he is settling in very well in his new home.
“He is a stunning tiger and a very important part of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) for Amur tigers, which are the largest species of cat on earth.
“His presence in our new Big Cat Habitat will certainly be a welcome sight for keepers, staff and visitors alike.”
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