Brandywine Zoo’s Amur Tiger Headed to NY

Zhanna, Brandywine Zoo’s Amur tiger, is headed to New York.

She isn’t going there to hibernate for the winter. She’s going to be part of a program to help extend the life of her species.

Zhanna’s new home this January will be the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo, said officials from the Delaware Zoological Society and DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation. The move is to help preserve the existence of the Amur tiger. “The tiger care and breeding program at the Bronx Zoo is considered exemplary by zoo officials around the world,” said Brandywine Zoo administrators.

Amur tigers are an endangered species, with fewer than 500 living in small populations in far eastern Russia and northeast China. The tigers are losing their habitat due to logging activities, human encroachment and poaching.

Zhanna will be missed, said Brandywine Zoo officials. She’s been a part of the Brandywine Zoo family since 2011 when she was only 3-years old. The public is encouraged to come out and say goodbye to her from Wednesday through Sunday in December. Admission will be free. On Saturday December 31st from 1-2 p.m. the Brandywine Zoo will celebrate her “New Beginning.” Learn more about Zhanna’s move and other events happening at the Brandywine Zoo by logging onto www.brandywinezoo.org.