CAMERON PARK, Texas — The Cameron Park Zoo welcomed two male Sumatran tigers on Oct. 24, as part of a conservation effort for the critically endangered species.
The new arrivals, a father and son pair named Gusti and Nakal, came from the Memphis Zoo following a recommendation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Sumatran Tiger Species Survival Plan.
“We are thrilled to welcome Gusti and Nakal to Cameron Park Zoo,” said Brendan Wiley, Zoo Director. “This addition not only supports the conservation efforts for Sumatran tigers, but also enriches our community’s understanding of these incredible creatures.”
Gusti, born in 2017 at the Oklahoma City Zoo, and his son Nakal, born in 2023 at Memphis Zoo, join the zoo's existing female Sumatran tiger, 18-year-old Maharani.
Sumatran tigers could live as long as 17 years. While experts are looking to provide additional breeding opportunities, the tigers will not cohabitate.
The zoo also announced recent births, including a female gerenuk named Marcella on Oct. 6 and six horned pit vipers on July 20, which are native to Vietnam and southern China.