Rolling Hills Zoo welcomes female Amur tiger, one of the most endangered species

A female Amur tiger named Viktoria has found her new home at Rolling Hills Zoo.

The zoo announced its newest resident came from Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot, North Dakota, where she was born in March 2022. Viktoria was relocated to Salina on a breeding recommendation as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan.

Described as spirited and spunky, the zoo said, "Viktoria's zest for life is evident in her playful interactions and she has already captured the hearts of her keepers."

According to the announcement, one of the young tiger's distinctive features is speckling on her lower legs, "adding to her charm and individuality."

"Viktoria is an eager participant in target training with a fondness for bones and diverse enrichments, including scents, spices, boxes, paper and pumpkins," the zoo said.

Before Viktoria’s arrival, Dhenuka, the zoo’s male Amur tiger, moved to another facility on a similar breeding recommendation.  Once Viktoria reaches sexual maturity the zoo will receive a male Amur tiger as part of the SSP’s breeding plan.

"Sadly, tigers are on the brink of extinction. Just over a century ago, 100,000 wild tigers roamed across Asia," the zoo said. "Today, fewer than 3,900 live in a mere 4% of their historic range and there are estimated to be between only 265 – 486 Amur tigers remaining in the wild."

Along with the other four tiger subspecies, Amur tigers are one of the most endangered carnivores on Earth.  Their dwindling population is due to poaching and deforestation resulting in habitat loss, it said.

Currently in the off-season, the zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week at 625 N. Hedville Road in Salina, The park will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Viktoria the Amur tiger is Rolling Hills Zoo's newest resident