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Meet Bandar: Busch Gardens takes in first Sumatran tiger

Sumatran Tigers listed as a critically endangered species

TAMPA, Fla – Guests can expect to see a new face at Tampa’s Busch Gardens.

Bandar, a critically endangered male Sumatran Tiger, was taken in by the park on Tuesday becoming the first Sumatran tiger that its taken care of.

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This 9-year-old Sumatran was transferred to Busch Gardens from the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington, as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Special Survival Plan that manages and protects endangered species in accredited zoological facilities.

Sumatran Tigers are currently listed as a critically endangered species, with less than 400 tigers in the wild. These tigers are at the brink of extinction due to habitat loss, poaching, and human conflict within their environment.

With the new addition of Bandar, Busch Gardens announced that guests are able to book a ‘Tiger Insider Tour’ that allows them to learn more and have an up-close look at Bengal, Malayan, and Sumatran tigers.

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