Zoo Atlanta Welcomes New Resident: Meet Buttercup the Sumatran Tiger
ATLANTA — Zoo Atlanta is bringing a new furry resident to Atlanta, and it means Bob the Sumatran tiger will now have a new friend. According to officials, the Zoo welcomed Buttercup, a two-year-old Sumatran tiger, to Atlanta on Wednesday night.
Buttercup came to Atlanta from the Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon. As a new arrival at Zoo Atlanta, she will stay behind the scenes for a month during a routine quarantine period before she can explore the John P. Imlay Tiger Habitat.
“Zoo Atlanta is thrilled to welcome Buttercup and to share the important story that she and Bob have to tell as ambassadors for a critically endangered species,” said Gina Ferrie, PhD, Vice President of Collections and Conservation. “In the case of Sumatran tigers, the species’ most urgent conservation challenges are ones we can all influence here at home in our own daily lives.”
Sumatran tigers are one of the rarest cat species on Earth, classified as critically endangered. There are an estimated 400 left in the wild, facing serious pressures from habitat loss and fragmentation, primarily due to deforestation for palm oil plantations. Additionally, illegal poaching for their bones and fur, which are believed to have medicinal properties in some cultures, poses significant threats to their survival.
The arrival of Buttercup at Zoo Atlanta is more than just a new addition; it emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and action against the ongoing threats these magnificent creatures face in the wild. As potential ambassadors for their species, both Buttercup and Bob aim to educate visitors on the importance of tiger conservation.
Zoo Atlanta's efforts to promote awareness about endangered species underscore a more significant message: We can all play a role in conservation. From supporting ethical palm oil practices to advocating against poaching, the fight for Sumatran tigers begins with us.
In summary, Buttercup’s arrival not only brightens the enclosure of Bob the tiger but also shines a light on a dire cause. Will you join the conversation about the ways we can help these incredible animals? We encourage you to share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below!
