Big Cat Society Tiger Book

Dear Wildlife Friends,

A tiny paw takes a hesitant step into a big, new space. Striped ears stand up tall, on alert for signs of danger. Mom, sister and brother are just ahead on the path, so all must be safe. An unexpected splash from a nearby waterfall leads to a leap right back into the tiger night house. Mom patiently waits hours for the paw to emerge again, and finally gently takes her baby by the scruff to join the family in the Tiger River Habitat at Palm Beach Zoo. In the wild, a cautious cub and patient tiger mom are attributes that help them survive, as mortality rates are high at this vulnerable age. It’s estimated that 50% of cubs don’t survive. At our Zoo, it is a very different story.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP) celebrated the cubs and the genetic diversity they will infuse for future generations. From outside the Zoo, more good news about wild tiger numbers increasing came in from our partner, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

The Zoo has a powerful purpose and ability to spark a connection between humans and nature. The transformative nose-to-whisker experiences we provide our guests long outlast their visits. With a family of tigers living at our Zoo, the need for a third tiger habitat is a wonderful “problem” to have. With your help, we are building the most innovative home for tigers and the most immersive visitor experience in our jungle as we continue to support our partners in the field.

As we venture into new spaces, let’s go together. Enjoy the amazing tale of the Malayan tigers at Palm Beach Zoo, and come by soon for a visit.

Stay wild,

MARGO MCKNIGHT PRESIDENT & CEO

Mawar

Cover photo: Cahaya

Imagine the wide-eyed wonder of a child when they first see a real tiger, not a video on a screen but a living animal that looks back at them with curiosity and responds to their presence. Animal encounters and experiential learning for children: That’s the importance of a visit to our Palm Beach Zoo."

MICHELE KESSLER

THE BIRTH OF A NEW ERA OF TIGERS at Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society

Api and cubs enjoying the Tiger River Habitat.

MEET THE PARENTS

Api and her mate, Kadar, are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Malayan Tiger Species Survival Plan® (SSP), which ensures a genetically healthy population of animals for the future in managed care. The birth of Malayan tiger cubs is a landmark event for the Malayan tiger subspecies, which are endangered in the wild.

Proud parents, Api and Kadar

THE CUBS' ARRIVAL

On May 12, 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic, the circle of life carried on at Palm Beach Zoo. Malayan tiger mom-to-be Api was showing signs of active labor. At 7 PM, the first cub emerged, followed by a second and third cub, arriving about 90 minutes apart. Our tiger care team, clad in full personal protective equipment (PPE), was standing by ready to assist if needed. The goal was to have wildlife be wild and let Api tap into thousands of years of motherly instincts as she would have in the jungles of Malaysia. Once the cubs were born, Api was immediately attentive to their every need.

Our whole Zoo kingdom was bursting with love and pride for the new family, which now includes three healthy cubs – two females and a male.

Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society is providing protection for wild tiger populations by working with other AZA institutions to ensure a sustainable and healthy genetic pool. With tiger populations and genetics fluctuating in the wild, the birth of two female tiger cubs comes at a critical time, as we continue to grow a genetic 'reservoir' to aid in protecting this remarkable species in the future."

RENÉE BUMPUS, CHIEF ANIMAL & CONSERVATION OFFICER

EARLY DAYS

Tiger cubs are born blind; they gain full vision after the first few weeks of life. Once they reach the 30 -day mark, they have made it over most of the hurdles that keep veterinarians up at night! Just like in the wild, tiger cubs spend the first two months of life in the den with their mother, mostly eating and sleeping.

Images captured by den box footage to give Api uninterrupted time with her cubs.

Cahaya and Triton's first check-up.

BOND WITH ZOOLOGISTS

Api spends time with the cubs teaching them how to be tigers, while the zoologists work with the cubs so that, in the future, they will participate in their own care and well-being just like their mom. To get there, key behaviors, such as presenting a paw for a blood draw or “emergency recall” to their hurricane-safe night house during storm season, are learned from very early on.

When the time came for the cubs’ first well-check and with the ultimate trust from Api, our veterinary and zoologist staff worked like a delicate pit crew examining, microchipping and giving vaccines (and squeezing in a few hugs). The little striped babies' exams were completed in 18 minutes.

FOREVER NAMES

The Malayan tiger cub trio beautifully represents their counterparts in the wild. They have received their forever names! Malayan tiger cubs traditionally receive their official name around their first birthday, which was May 12, 2021. Originally identified by the unique stripe pattern over each cub’s right eye, sweet “Heart” and feisty “Flower” are officially named Cahaya, meaning “light;” and Mawar, meaning “rose” in Malay. Charming Triton, referring to “King Triton” or “water” in Malay, will keep his name.

Our deepest gratitude goes to five of our Wildlife Heroes — Lillian and Luis Fernandez, Candy Hamm, Carole and John Moran — who made generous contributions to the Zoo through our online auction for the honor of naming the cubs.

We know the cats’ names are important; they help form the bond between the Zoo’s amazing care team and the animals. Seeing the zoologists connect with the tigers is an incredible experience for visitors.”

CAROLE & JOHN MORAN

The cubs exploring the Tiger River Habitat.

PERSONALITIES AS UNIQUE AS THEIR STRIPES

TRITON

The only male of the three, Triton is confident and playful yet gentle with his sisters. He loves to participate in zoologist behavioral sessions and is always the first of the cubs to saunter up to join in on fun enrichment activities. He is truly bonded to the zoologists who care for him and will often follow them around to get their attention and some delicious treats!

CAHAYA (Kye-yah)

Considered the spitfire of the trio, Cahaya acts first and thinks later! The dominant cub of the family, she is spunky and precocious, taking after her mother, Api. Like the heart-shape of her stripes above her eye denote, she loves to snuggle up with her siblings and “chuff” (happy tiger sounds) to show her affection. She is active and enjoys chasing around her brother and sister and playing in the water in the Tiger River Habitat.

MAWAR (Mah-wah)

The sweet and shy Mawar is the more cautious one of the three. She will allow Triton and Cahaya to try new things first as she sits back to watch what happens. She is much like her father, Kadar, reserved and observant, so zoologists worked diligently to earn her trust. Highly intelligent, she notices everything and learns from her mother and rambunctious brother and sister.

A LEG UP ON SPECIES SURVIVAL

Our particular subspecies of tiger residents (Malayan) are very important to the collective of AZA zoos. We have made great headway over the last few years, exceeding many welfare and wellness markers for these animals. As a testament, three healthy young tigers were born. Female cubs represent the best opportunity for Malayan tiger survival in managed care. As the cubs from this tiger family grow up, they are being paired with other cats and moving to partner zoos. Palm Beach Zoo will continue to be part of the Malayan tiger SSP® and, with your help, be ready to welcome future cubs.

The work of Palm Beach Zoo is rooted strongly in the conservation and care of animals worldwide threatened with extinction. We support the Zoo’s wildlife mission to give beauties like our Malayan tiger cubs a fighting chance.”

LUIS FERNANDEZ, PALM BEACH ZOO BOARD VICE CHAIRMAN

A note from the field on a project we help fund:

In the Endau-Rompin Landscape where WCS works, tigers are gradually increasing, and it may be the only site in Malaysia where the population is not declining. Our conservationists see regular evidence of tigers breeding: camera-trap photos of tigresses and young tiger siblings, as well as dispersal of young adult tigers from the protected areas into the surrounding forest. These are all positive signs, showing a tiger population undergoing recovery. The commitment of our government partners to halt poaching, especially during COVID lockdown, has been inspiring.

Palm Beach Zoo’s generous support allows WCS’ work here to continue, to prevent losing our modest gains to date and to promote our long-term goal of an even more robust and rapid recovery. We are very grateful for your partnership.

We are still a long way from the Malayan tiger being anything other than critically endangered, but the early signs at Endau-Rompin show us that the tiger can be saved.

Dr. Luke Hunter

Executive Director, Big Cats Program at Wildlife Conservation Society

@DrLukeHunter

YOUR IMPACT ENSURES:

INCREASED

PROTECTION

FOR TIGERS IN MALAYSIA

BACKING EXISTING WILDLIFE LAW ENFORCEMENT

EFFORTS ON THE GROUND

IN THE REGION

IMPROVED POLITICAL OUTREACH

IDENTIFICATION OF NEW TIGERS FOR TIGER CONSERVATION

SAVING MALAYAN TIGERS FROM EXTINCTION

Less than a decade ago, Malayan tigers were declared critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species™. With fewer than 200 Malayans in the wild, Palm Beach Zoo joined forces with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) for critical ground-level outreach in Malaysia to save these cats before they go extinct. Malayan tigers’ biggest threats are direct poaching of tigers and their prey, as well as habitat loss. Through your generosity as a Big Cat Society member, tiger numbers are increasing, and their future is more secure today.

Api and Mawar

Api, Triton and Mawar

A FORCE FOR WILDLIFE: BUILDING TIGER FOREST

Inspiring people to take action starts by connecting Palm Beach Zoo visitors with the rare, endangered animals in our care, like the Malayan tiger cubs. Enter into tiger territory at the Zoo, which currently includes the Tiger River and Tiger Falls habitats. With the success of our growing big cat family, our tigers need more room to roam and more flexible, interesting spaces.

Tiger Forest will increase the number of tigers on the guest pathway, add a shaded habitat to the mix, and include cool spaces for the cats to expand their visibility and activity. This new habitat creates climbing elements and treetop paths where the curious striped creatures can see Zoo guests from above, giving them new perspectives of their space and providing nose-to-whisker engagements for both humans and animals. Envision tigers eating and playing in unique ways designed to augment their life and replicate wild behaviors.

We are building the Zoo of the future right here in the Palm Beaches for generations to enjoy. Tiger Forest will provide an even better quality of life than the big cats have now, which is already great!”

WHITNEY BYLIN

GIVE BIG CATS A FIGHTING CHANCE

As Api and Kadar continue their courtship at the Zoo, our Malayan tiger family depends on you. So do jaguars, panthers, ocelots and servals. Your caring commitment and courage provides endangered big cats with expanded, innovative habitats at the Zoo while also giving them secure futures abroad. Palm Beach Zoo is committed to Malayan tiger species survival. Your generosity has a direct impact in saving big cats in the wild.

To donate, please visit palmbeachzoo.org/give or contact Lindsay Shapiro, Gift Officer, by calling (561) 533-0887 ext. 222 or emailing BCS@palmbeachzoo.org.

SPECIAL THANKS

PALM BEACH ZOO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD

Michele Kessler, Chairman

Luis J. Fernandez, Vice Chairman

Gary E. Krieger, Treasurer

Daniel J. Comerford III Ph.D., Secretary

Ruth Baum

Maura Ziska Christu

Guillermo Perez-Vargas

Mitchell Quain

Matt Valle

BOARD MEMBERS

Kane K. Baker

Marilyn Beuttenmuller, Esq.

Whitney Wood Bylin

Jonathan Clay

Julia B. Connors

Dale Coudert

Caroline Dean

Robert B. Dunkin II

Mei Sze Greene

Susanna P. Hager

Candace Hamm

Josh McGraw

George F. Merck

Carole Moran

Stephen E. Myers

Thomas C. Quick

Sandra S. Rooney

This book was generously underwritten by Romph • Pou Agency. Special thanks to Braman Motorcars, Lead Corporate Sponsor of the Malayan tiger habitat.

Kim Campbell, Board Member Emeritus

Ladona Hancock, Honorary Board Member

BIG CAT SOCIETY MEMBERS

Sharada Shankar-Alducin & Donald Alducin

Kathleen Anderson Anonymous

Mary & Kane Baker

Ruth Baum

Diane & Peter Bergner

Lisa & James Bertles

Marilyn Beuttenmuller

Margaret S. Bilotti

Noelle Bivens

Mark E. Bryant Charitable Trust

Candida & Barlett Burnap

Paula Butler

Whitney & Eric Bylin

Kim Campbell

Samuel M. & Alma Catsman Foundation, Inc.

Yi-Hsin Chang

Maura & Eric Christu

Whitney & Jonathan Clay

Susan & George Cohon

Kathie & Dan Comerford

Julie & Mike Connors

Stephania Conrad

Dale Coudert

Kevin Crowley

Debbie & Philippe Dauman

Caroline & Thompson Dean

Rebecca & James Dockter

Hank Dow

Debbie & Robert Dunkin

Maureen & Ronald Early

East Coast Zoological Society of Florida Inc.

Suzanne & The Honorable Edward Elson

Gail & Alfred Engelberg

Family Management Corporation

Lillian & Luis Fernandez

The Mary Alice Fortin Foundation, Inc.

Renate Franco

Janellen & David Gerstein

Jeffry E. Giangrade

Phyllis Goldblatt

Gary Goldring

Kitty & J. Graham Goldsmith

Kimberly & Scott Goodwin

Elizabeth & John Gorski

Jeannie & T Grant

Jeff & Mei Sze Greene

Danielle & Buckley Griffis

Laura & Joshua Gross

Allison & Stuart Haft

Susanna P. Hager

Anne & S. Matthews V. Hamilton Jr.

Candace Hamm

Alice Hanley

Carole & Rod Hartless

Merrill G. & Emita E. Hastings Foundation

Brandie & Todd Herbst

Cathy & William Ingram

Karyn & Roger Janssen

Charlene & Richard S. Johnson Jr.

Tracey & Mark Keegan

Michele & Howard Kessler

Henni & John Kessler

Bertil & Joyce Kjellgren Family Foundation

Leonard Korman

Gary Krieger

Claire Levine

Ellen Liman

Susan Lloyd

Billi & Bernie Marcus

Wendy & Matthew Maschler

Ellen & Bruce Mavec

Irving May & Edith H. May Foundation

Sacha & Josh McGraw

Dede & George Merck

Carolyn & Eugene Mercy

Kristen Olewine Milke

The David Minkin Foundation

Mary Jane & Howard Miska

Lili & Ambrose K. Monell

Carole & John Moran

Suzanne & Terry Murray

JoAnna & Stephen Myers

Ann Nitze

Pauline & William Nutting

Thomas O’Neill

Susie & Bob Parsons

Cecilia & Guillermo Perez-Vargas

Margi & Michael Picotte

Mathias Piskur

Pauline Pitt & Jerry Seay

Blanca Luaces & Steven Pliskow

Afsy & Carter Pottash

Mitch Quain

Thomas C. Quick

Pamela & Ted Rauch

Maureen Rheen

The Ritchie Family Trust

Faye & Bruce Robb

Romph & Pou Agency, Inc.

Sandy & Pat Rooney

Barbara & Richard Rothschild

Susan & Howard Rubin

Margaretha Rumbough

Frances G. Scaife

Alison Holtzschue & Douglas Schloss

Susan & Charles Schwartz

Michelle & Christian Searcy

Linda & Donald Silpe

Lainey & Beryl Simonson

Abby & Pierce Sioussat

Christine & Robert Stiller

Carolyn Susman

Charlot Taylor

Susan O. Taylor

Margaretta Taylor

Jennifer & Matt Valle

Iris Valle

Dea & Albert Van Metre

Visse Wedell

Frances & Robert Weisman

Kendall Wheeler

Paula & Paul Wittmann

Susan & Bob Wright

Noreen Zanft

Joan & Sal Zeitlin

Api and Cahaya