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VIDEO: Endangered Amur Tiger called Botzman arrives at Highland Wildlife Park from Whipsnade Zoo


By Chris Saunderson

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AN ENDANGERED Amur tiger is the newest arrival at the Highland Wildlife Park.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, which owns the park, has introduced Botzman to the world.

Staff at the wildlife conservation charity say they hope the park’s current female Dominika and the new arrival will hopefully breed in the future.

Nice to meet you! All photos Whipsnade Zoo.
Nice to meet you! All photos Whipsnade Zoo.

Keith Gilchrist, animal collection manager at the park, said, “We are very excited to welcome Botzman into our care and for visitors to meet him soon.

“For the first few weeks he’ll be kept in a private area while he settles in and then we will slowly begin introductions with Dominika.”

Nine-year-old Botzman was born in Moscow and has spent the last eight years at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo where he recently fathered three cubs, born in 2018.

Graeme Williamson, team leader of predators at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, said, “Botzman is a handsome, confident cat who is known for his incredible ability to jump high up into trees to pull down his dinner. He fathered his first litter of cubs in 2018, when he proved himself to be a playful but patient father, teaching his cubs how to climb and swim.

“He will be missed by both zookeepers and visitors at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo but his move to Highland Wildlife Park is a vital part of the European breeding programme for the species.

Who is this Botzman fellow?
Who is this Botzman fellow?

“With just 500 Amur tigers remaining in the wild, it’s important that tigers like Botzman are given the opportunity to father cubs with other mates, ensuring genetic diversity in the programme and ultimately safeguarding the future of the species.”

Keith added, “Amur tigers are endangered in the wild and any cubs Botzman and Dominika raise could represent a potentially important contribution to the future of the species, which is at risk of extinction due to extensive habitat loss and poaching.”

Botzman was born in Moscow.
Botzman was born in Moscow.

It will be a while before visitors are able to catch a glimpse of Botzman as he settles into his new home.

A special thank you to Scotbark who donated bark to Highland Wildlife Park for the new tiger enclosure.

Botzman arrived from ZSL Whipsnade on Monday.

Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park reopened after three months on Monday, June 29.

There are just 500 Amur tigers in the wild.
There are just 500 Amur tigers in the wild.

A crowdfunding campaign was set up to help Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park, which need almost £700,000 per month to keep going whilst closed to visitors.


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