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It was a great day at the Safari Park when donors Thomas and Alba Tull (center) joined Doug Myers, president and CEO (left), and Rick Gulley, chairman (right), for the Tiger Trail ribbon-cutting ceremony.
TIGER TRAIL WELL WORTH THE WAIT By Mary Sekulovich SENIOR EDITOR, DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Photos by Ken Bohn SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER
26
ZOONOOZ
SEPTEMBER 2014
ust a few years ago, finding tigers at the Safari Park was no easy task—they were often hidden in tall grasses or sleeping at the back of the exhibit. Asia’s most spectacular cat was often nowhere to be seen. Fast forward to the opening of the elegant and multifaceted Tull Family Tiger Trail in May 2014, and the differences in exhibit design are astounding. Now six gorgeous Sumatran tigers prowl through three lush, forested habitats where guests can readily spot them. From the mystery of the entry portal, the Tiger Trail walkway builds excitement as you draw near to the mesmerizing big cats. Whether you look to the right or the left, you’ll usually encounter a tiger’s unwavering stare. They are often nose to nose with their admirers through the viewing windows and take turns defeating keepers and guests at a game of tug-of-war. A tiger might even saunter to the interactive wall and show off as a keeper gives cues to exhibit behaviors that help animal care staff ensure the big cat stays healthy.