Endangered Sumatran tiger moves into Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is now home to Bandar, a critically endangered Sumatran tiger. Theme park visitors can see the new resident in the Jungala area of the attraction.
Bandar, a 9-year-old male, was transferred from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington. The move is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, which manages endangered species in zoological facilities to protect them from extinction.
Bandar is the park’s first Sumatran tiger, and he joins Rukayah (Malayan) and Zahra (Bengal) in his new habitat.
“Watching Bandar settle into his new home is exciting and inspiring,” Jenny Mendoza, vice president-zoological for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, said in a news release. “We are very thrilled to provide him with a home for him to thrive, share his story with our guests, and have our zoological facilities serve as a building block for the prosperous future of all tigers.”
The theme park offers a Tiger Insider Tour for purchase, which gives a deeper dive into the species. The 30-minute walking tour, available for visitors at least 8 years old, sells for $29.99.
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