Auckland Zoo welcomes Sali, the zoo's first tiger in three years

Thursday, 21 April 2022

Take a look at Auckland Zoo's new $58 million South East Asia redevelopment. (Video first published July 2019)

Sali the Sumatran tiger has arrived at Auckland Zoo – the first of the big cats to prowl its enclosures in three years.

Fourteen-year-old Sali had her first opportunity to explore the zoo’s new Lowlands tiger habitat on Thursday morning after her journey from Hamilton Zoo.

Her home will be the South East Asia Jungle Track development, where visitors may be able to see her in the coming days.

Sali the tiger has arrived at Auckland Zoo after travelling from Hamilton.

The keepers were “absolutely fizzing” to have Sumatran tigers back after three years, carnivore keeper Nick Parashshak said.

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This way up: Sali the tiger is unloaded at Auckland Zoo after a road trip from Hamilton.

In July 2019, the zoo put down its last remaining Sumatran tiger, Berani, after efforts to treat his health problems didn’t work.

Parashshak spent time with Sali at Hamilton Zoo before her move and described her as “quite sensitive in nature”.

“Once comfortable she exudes this really warm presence, and is a real ‘chuffer’ – the vocalisation tigers do when they’re in a friendly and relaxed state.”

Sumatran tigers are a critically endangered big cat, and Sali’s move is part of the zoo’s global breeding and advocacy programme.

Hamilton Zoo carnivore keeper Sam Jeune described Sali as one very special tiger, much loved by Hamilton staff and visitors alike.

“I’ve worked with Sali for five years now, and one of the things that really stands out about her is what an amazing mother she’s been to her son Kembali and daughter Kirana; she’s passed on so many skills to them.

“While we are sad to see Sali go, we are also excited that she’s getting this opportunity at Auckland, where she’ll be the very first tiger to experience the new habitat.”

Later this year, the zoo also hopes to welcome a young pair of Sumatran tigers from the United States who have been specifically selected to breed.