Amur Tiger Conservation Project

The close up encounters possible at the Zoo's Tiger Forest exhibit are the envy of our Amur tiger conservation partner, Dr. Linda Kerley, as she has had only a handful of opportunities to be so close to tigers.  For the Amur tigers that she and the other members of the Amur Tiger Conservation Project (ATCP) study in Lazovsky Preserve in Primorsky Krai, the Indianapolis Zoo's support paid for 15 vitally important tracking cameras that give Dr.  Kerley a long distance insight into the lives of the last few remaining wild Amur tigers on Earth.  The Zoo's support allowed an expansion of the camera tracking program that identified four new litters of cubs in the reserve - the first time cubs have been observed since 2008.  The ATCP was also able to expand their tracking work into a nearby newly protected National Park.   Results here have been astonishing, as shortly after the first cameras were placed, a tiger was confirmed to be in the Park, along with another litter of cubs.  Camera traps are also instrumental in establishing a deterrent program for poachers called "forest eyes" that uses hidden surveillance camera to record illegal activity in protected tiger habitat. Photo by Fred Cate

Tiger fans can help support the conservation of these wonderful animals in other ways.  Here are two good things you can do today!

Play Tiger Trackers and Help Save Tigers
Have fun and learn all about the endangered tigers of Russia!  Play Tiger Trackers and you can earn your stripes as a big cat researcher in the wild while also raising funds to help save the tigers that are struggling to survive.  Half of all proceeds go to the wild tigers!  Get started now with the fun Facebook app (you may need to download Flash Player 10).

Purchase Save Vanishing Species Stamps
You can help save endangered species by purchasing the new Save Vanishing Species stamp for the U.S. Postal Service.  Get all the details!