June 2022
Tipah makes an impression
Howletts Wild Animal Park in Bekesbourne, Kent, has welcomed a new addition: a magnificent Sumatran tigress called Tipah. So far, the three-year-old big cat has made the biggest impression on fellow Sumatran tiger and long-standing Howletts favourite, Achilles.
After a carefully-monitored introductory period – the tiger equivalent of dating – Tipah and Achilles moved in together in the big cat enclosure closest to the visitor centre on the east side of the 100-acre park near Canterbury.
Big cat fans can be among the first to welcome Tipah to Kent by booking their tickets now to see her and Achilles at Howletts, which is home to over 390 rare and endangered animals. Those keen to meet the park's stunning tigers face-to-face can do so on an up-close tiger encounter, joining the park’s expert keepers for an opportunity to feed them where possible.
Book nowLove blossoms
The Howletts team have spotted the two lovebirds mating several times since they moved in together and it is hoped that Tipah and Achilles will welcome cubs in the near future. As a Critically Endangered species with fewer than an estimated 400 wild individuals remaining, every cub born to the pair will be a precious gift to the future of their species.
Tipah was transferred to Howletts from Frankfurt Zoo, where she was waved off by her dedicated keepers on 19th May, making the 430-mile journey to Kent. Specialist wild animal transporters Ventura Wildlife Services ensured that the journey was as smooth as possible for the beautiful tigress.
Howletts Animal Director
Matt Ford
Tipah has been settling in extremely well. We gave her plenty of space to fully explore her new surroundings before we considered the introduction, which has been very encouraging so far. Tipah is a stunning cat, who we hope will make an ideal companion for Achilles and provide a captivating sight for visitors
Want to get even closer?
Big cat lovers can get even closer to these stunning animals with an up-close tiger encounter, joining Howletts’ expert keepers for an opportunity to feed them.
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