Minnesota Zoo Welcomes 1-Year-Old Amur Tiger

Apple Valley, MN – April 13, 2022 – Tiger care and conservation has been a cornerstone of the Minnesota Zoo since opening its doors in 1978. Over the course of its 43-year history, the Zoo has birthed more than 40 cubs and alongside the Phoenix Zoo, co-leads the Tiger Conservation Campaign, which has raised millions of dollars for tiger conservation.

The Zoo is proud to continue its efforts championing tiger conservation by welcoming a new addition – Luka, a 16-month-old male Amur tiger, who arrived in Minnesota last week from Cleveland Metroparks Zoo thanks to careful planning and collaboration between teams at both institutions.

The Minnesota Zoo received a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Tiger Species Survival Plan (SSP) to receive Luka following the unfortunate death of our other male Amur tiger last month. Since arrival, Luka has been spending time in a behind-the-scenes habitat adjusting to his new environment and care team.

“While this opportunity came about quicker than anticipated, it’s one that will benefit Luka, who was at an age where he was ready to separate from his mother, and one that will support the Zoo’s dedication to tiger conservation by providing potential future breeding opportunities in the years ahead,” said Minnesota Zoo Director John Frawley.

“We look forward to following Luka’s development at his new home at the Minnesota Zoo. He continues to play an integral role in connecting communities here in the United States to tiger conservation around the globe,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Chris Kuhar.

“The Minnesota Zoo has long championed tiger conservation and will continue advocating for this species,” said Dr. Seth Stapleton, Minnesota Zoo Director of Conservation. “Given that there are believed to be fewer than 500 Amur tigers remaining in the wild, the addition of Luka to the Zoo continues our legacy of support,” said Stapleton.

Luka will be introduced to his public habitat this week and should be more and more visible to guests in the coming days. Be sure to follow the Zoo on its social media channels, where we will be sharing new stories about Luka throughout the month.

The Minnesota Zoo is a year-round destination providing a window into the natural world. With hundreds of species of animals, worldwide conservation efforts, and acres of scenic beauty, the Zoo is a resource to connect people, animals and the natural world to save wildlife. For more information visit mnzoo.org. The Minnesota Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).