All six Sumatran tigers are perfectly at home in Tiger Trail, whether enjoying their pools or taking a catnap. A fun feature at the exhibit’s Sambutan Longhouse lets keepers and guests try their hand at a tug-of-war with one of the big cats. Here, Thomas Tull pulls against one of the male tigers while Alba Tull looks on. To no one’s surprise, the tiger always wins!
Keeping tigers entertained with enriching toys, sights, and scents, as well as giving them a balanced diet, helps them thrive. Happily, the rave reviews for Tiger Trail just keep coming, although in the early planning stages we had our challenges in making the exhibit a reality. When we first introduced the concept in 2008, the Great Recession began. Over the next few years, Tiger Trail’s architectural plans went through location changes and design revisions. Although many generous donors supported the exhibit, our fund-raising efforts stalled because of the recession. Then, in 2012, a superhero couple—Thomas and Alba Tull— stepped forward with the largest single donation in the Safari Park’s history, and the rest is, well, history! Opening festivities at the $19.5 million tiger habitat on May 21, 2014, included a ribbon cutting by the Tulls, special viewing opportunities for donors, keeper talks, and tiger training demonstrations. Thanks to the Tulls’ extraordinary gift, as well as leadership gifts from the Warren Family Foundation and Audrey Geisel, plus the generosity, unflagging support, and patience of 5,000 additional donors, the Tiger Trail opening wowed everyone. How do you describe coming face to face with a lithe tiger
just inches away on the other side of glass windows, its golden eyes following your every move? There were many enthusiastic comments, such as “Being nose to nose with the tigers is beyond words,” “I could have watched those tigers for hours and hours,” and “You did a great job for the people as well as the tigers!” Tiger Trail has exceeded our wildest expectations. We sincerely appreciate the support and generosity from such a large number of friends who enabled us to create a splendid new home for our tigers and awe-inspiring experiences for our guests.
You can help secure the future for wildlife!
Heritage Guild By creating a Charitable Gift Annuity or including the Zoological Society of San Diego in your will or trust, you can help protect wildlife. To receive more information, please call 619-557-3947 or visit our website at zoolegacy.org.
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