Launch of Year of the Sumatran Tiger Project at Perth Zoo

4/10/97

Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes today launched a major new initiative that will see Perth Zoo take a world leadership role towards the long-term protection of the critically endangered Sumatran Tiger.

Speaking on World Animal Day, Mrs Edwardes announced the Year of the Sumatran Tiger Project which will provide for new breeding facilities at Perth Zoo.

Perth Zoo today signed a memorandum of understanding with Taman Safari in Indonesia which will enable both locations to benefit from funds raised through the Tiger Foundation, an organisation led by Perth based businessman Marco Romero.

The foundation, which is dedicated to saving tigers, has an initial funding target of $500,000. Half of this amount will go towards the Sumatran Tiger breeding program at Perth Zoo.

Taman Safari, 70kms outside Jakarta, is the Indonesian stud book co-ordinator for Sumatran Tigers. It presently has 21 Sumatran Tigers and is often called on to look after problem tigers that have caused trouble for people and their livestock.

Sumatran Tiger numbers in the wild are estimated to be as low as 500, with only about 250 in zoos around the world.

The relationship with the Perth Zoo means that Taman Safari, with the agreement of the Indonesian Government, will make genetically diverse, pure bred Sumatran Tiger breeding stock available to the zoo.

"This will make Perth Zoo one of the first zoos in the world to establish a new Sumatran Tiger blood line," Mrs Edwardes said.

"Perth Zoo has already built an enviable reputation with the breeding of many Western Australian endangered species, as well as having had major breeding success with Sumatran Orang-utans and Rothschild's Giraffe".

Mrs Edwardes praised the Indonesian Government's support for the project.

"The co-operation between Perth Zoo and Taman Safari should lead to greater security for these critically endangered tigers into the 21st century," she said.

The Tiger Foundation was launched with a $10,000 donation from Perth stockbroker John Poynton.

Mrs Edwardes also acknowledged major sponsorship of the Perth Zoo's tiger program by Whiskas, Uncle Bens Australia.

The inspiration for the Tiger Foundation came from 11-year-old Perth schoolgirl Tanya Romero.

"The way that Tanya has been able to gain support from not just her own family but from large institutions in different countries has given the Sumatran Tiger a chance to survive," Mrs Edwardes said.

Media contact: Diana Russell Coote 9421 7777 or 018 906 948