Sumatran Tiger Leaves Zoo Atlanta For National Zoo

by Patch Staff

Kavi, the 11-year-old Sumatran tiger and the father of the first tiger cubs born in Atlanta in more than a decade, left Zoo Atlanta for a new home at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C.

Animal care professionals had been working on crate-training the big cat for his road trip, which began in the early hours Wednesday. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Tiger Species Survival Plan recommended the move so that he could be paired with a female at the National Zoo.

The transfer is an important factor in the continued success of the captive population of this critically endangered species, which is believed to number fewer than 300 in the wild. As a breeding institution for Sumatran tigers and many other endangered species, Zoo Atlanta is committed to following SSP recommendations that benefit captive populations living in accredited zoos.

A resident of Zoo Atlanta since 2006, Kavi had been paired with Chelsea, 8, who gave , Sohni and Sanjiv, on July 5, 2011.

Now 11 months old, are a rambunctious duo weighing 132 pounds and 154 pounds, respectively.