Minnesota Zoo Musical Menagerie Amur Tiger

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Amur Tiger

Scientific name: Panthera tigris altaica

Amur tigers are well-adapted to their role as the top carnivore in Asia’s eastern forests. They have thick fur for warmth, stripes that camouflage, powerful leg muscles for stalking and springing, superb hearing and night vision, and sharp teeth and claws. Despite their fearsome reputation, most healthy tigers avoid human contact.

Measuring over 10 feet long and weighing up to 600 pounds, Amur tigers are the largest of the tiger subspecies. In fact, they are the largest of all cat species.

Conservation in Action:
The Minnesota Zoo has been deeply involved in tiger conservation for decades. As it became clear that wild tiger populations were declining and threatened with extinction, conservation efforts within zoos and other institutions began. Two of the hallmarks of zoo conservation efforts are cooperative breeding programs and Species Survival Plans (SSPs). These programs oversee the population management of certain species or groups of animals and help guide field conservation efforts. In 2012, the tiger SSP created the Tiger Conservation Campaign. Minnesota Zoo staff are proud to co-host this campaign which focuses on the conservation of Amur, Sumatran and Malayan tiger populations. The Minnesota Zoo has also participated in cooperative breeding efforts of Amur tigers. Since 1978, more than 40 tiger cubs have been born at the Zoo, contributing to the diversity of the tiger gene pool — a critical step in the conservation of this endangered cat!

You Can Help!

You can help Amur tigers and leopards by staying informed about wildlife trafficking! Before your next trip, visit Wildlife Trafficking Alliance to print out guides to responsible purchases. If you are unsure about where a food or souvenir comes from, or if you suspect your purchase might negatively impact wildlife, just say no! Additionally, if you take a trip to see these big cats in the wild, be sure that you are supporting responsible, local companies that make tiger conservation a part of their business model. Together, we can ensure a future where these big cats are safe to wildly roam for generations to come!   

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