New Tigress at Vienna's Schönbrunn Zoo: Hope for Offspring

The tigress, born in June 2023, was selected as a partner for the male tiger in Schönbrunn as part of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). "Our male came to us from the Lisbon Zoo in 2021. The new tigress was carefully chosen as a partner for him," explains Zoo Director Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck.

Months of Preparation for Move to Vienna Zoo

The relocation of the female was prepared over several months. At AquaZoo, she underwent special crate training to make the transport as stress-free as possible. After her arrival at the Vienna Zoo, she initially remained invisible to visitors. "It was important to us that the animal got used to the new environment, daily routines, and smells. This also included the first visual and scent exchange with the other two tigers," says Hering-Hagenbeck.

First Exploration of the Outdoor Area

In the meantime, the tigress has begun to explore the outdoor area and is now visible to the public. However, the introduction to the male is being done cautiously and without time pressure. "Since tigers are solitary animals, it must be carefully observed when the right time for the next step has come," explains the Zoo Director.

Siberian Tiger Highly Endangered: New Hope for Offspring

The previous tigress will remain in the zoo and spend her twilight years there. She was born in Schönbrunn in 2008 and has already reached a high life expectancy for tigers. Since breeding with her was not successful, the zoo now places new hope in the young partner.

"The Siberian tiger is highly endangered. Through coordinated breeding, we make an important contribution to the preservation of the species. If the new pair were to have offspring, it would strengthen the genetic diversity of the reserve population in zoos worldwide," emphasizes Hering-Hagenbeck.

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