Hamerton Zoo Park is delighted to announce the safe arrival of Bulan, a male Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni), who has recently joined our collection following his transfer from Zoo Ústí nad Labem in the Czech Republic.
Bulan’s arrival marks an important step in the conservation of one of the world’s rarest big cats. Malayan tigers are classified among the most endangered tiger subspecies. The number of Malayan Tigers left in the wild has plummeted to less than 120 in the last 10 years. Only 9 individuals remain in Europe; we have the only individuals in Britain. Managed breeding programmes play a vital role in safeguarding the future of these magnificent animals, helping to maintain healthy and genetically diverse populations under human care.
The transfer follows extensive planning and cooperation between Zoo Ústí nad Labem and Hamerton Zoo Park to ensure Bulan’s welfare throughout the journey. We are pleased to report that he has settled calmly into his new surroundings and is now beginning to explore his new home.
Bulan was born at Prague Zoo and later moved to Zoo Ústí nad Labem in 2019. Described by his keepers as a calm and confident male with excellent breeding potential, he now joins Hamerton’s female Malayan tiger, Sahaja, as part of our efforts to establish a successful breeding pair.
We are thrilled to welcome Bulan to Hamerton. As a genetically valuable male, he represents an important opportunity for the future of the Malayan tiger population. Our hope is that, in time, Bulan and Sahaja will form a compatible pairing and contribute offspring to the long-term conservation of this critically endangered subspecies.
Introducing two tigers is a process that requires patience and careful management. Our experienced carnivore team will monitor both animals closely as they become familiar with one another, and any future breeding recommendations will be guided by the welfare of both tigers.
Hamerton Zoological Park would like to thank the teams at Zoo Ústí nad Labem for their collaboration and commitment to Bulan’s wellbeing. We look forward to sharing updates on his progress with visitors and supporters in the months ahead.
For now, we are simply delighted that Bulan has arrived safely and that he has the opportunity to play an important role in securing a future for one of the planet’s most threatened big cat species.