Calgary Zoo says goodbye to 1 male tiger, hello to another
The Calgary Zoo is getting a new tiger that is expected to be a perfect match for female Sarma, and will hopefully lead to the pitter patter of little paws.
Sarma, a 10-year-old Amur tiger, came to the zoo in 2017. A year later, another tiger, male Youri, came to the zoo from Quebec.
It was hoped the pair would mate as they were recommended for breeding by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Tiger Species Survival Plan (SPP) – described by the Calgary Zoo as a "modern-day dating app for animals."
However, Sarma and Youri have not successfully bred since they've been together.
As such, the zoo is bringing in a new match for Sarma found via the SPP: nine-year-old Samkha.
Samkha was born at the Calgary Zoo in 2012 but has lived in Winnipeg since 2014. (Assiniboine Park Zoo)Samkha was born at the Calgary Zoo in 2012 but has lived in Winnipeg since 2014.
He'll return to Calgary in the next few weeks.
“Sarma and Samkha are genetically valuable individuals within the global Amur tiger population," said the zoo's director of animal care, health and welfare Jamie Dorgan.
"Supporting them to successfully produce offspring is critical for the international efforts to save wild Amur tigers from extinction.”
Because Youri and Sarma weren't a successful match, Youri will be leaving the Calgary Zoo and instead live in the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg.
Youri will be leaving the Calgary Zoo and instead live in the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg. (Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo)"Until he has a new breeding recommendation, Youri will be reunited with his sister, Volga, who currently resides at the Assiniboine Park Zoo," a news release explained.
When Samkha arrives in early December he will spend a short time in quarantine before joining the other tigers.
Mating season for Amur tigers is typically December to January.
Tigers have a gestation period of three to four months and the average litter size is three or four cubs.
If Sarma and Samkha successfully mate, their cubs will likely stay at the Calgary Zoo until they mature, at which time they'd head off to new homes.
The last time the Calgary Zoo had tiger cubs was back in 2012.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.