CraigSaffoe_NatZoo

How did you name the new baby tigers?: One tiger was named by an auction winner---Sukacita which means joy in Indonesian. Bandar was named by our keepers and it's a port city in Sumatra. How do their personalities differ from a housecat?: Does not differ much just on a larger scale. Each of our tigers has their own personality. Damai (mom) is relaxed and carefree. Sukacita is reserved but playful with her bro--she is also a mama's girl. Bandar is very chill but a boy who likes to antagonize his mom and sister. This all may change as they grow. What are the most significant challenges in creating and maintaining a habitat for the tigers?: Creating a habitat that has appropriate containment is a challenge---we use a water moat here and strategically placed fencing. do you do anything special to try and replicate the conditions of the wild for them?: Try to give them opportunities to behave similar to the wild---we can't replicate the wild. Try to give them all the opps to use their senses the way they would in the wild. Through enrichment toys, feeding strategies etc.

Thanks for asking! Here are some pointers beyond finding and sharing the #EndangeredSong!: 1) Do not support the illicit tiger trade by purchasing anything made with tiger pelts/skins, bone, meat etc. 2) Many products – especially food – are made with palm oil. Palm oil is produced in tiger-range countries and plantations can sometimes threaten valuable tiger habitat. Look for sustainable palm oil = wildlife friendly. 3) Learn about tigers and support the conservation efforts to save them—such as the Global Tiger Initiative which is working to double the number of wild tigers by 2022. 4) 6. Donate and support the National Zoo’s tiger conservation and outreach efforts: You can help here http://s.si.edu/1mA1zyf

Of all the endangered animals in the world, what is it about the Sumatran tiger that compelled you guys to write a song to try and save them from extinction?

You probably know what the Smithsonian is, but may not know the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute are part of it----so much more than museums. We have expert scientists that are working to save species around the world. Our goal was to tell our conservation story to new and different audiences. DDB Advertising provided pro bono services and helped us create the #EndangeredSong campaign. It blends science and music together to grab people’s attention about the critically endangered Sumatran Tiger. They love wildlife. We save wildlife. Great fit. Everyone can actually DO something to prevent extinction…whether it’s for a tiger or a song.

We think about the 400 Sumatran tigers left in the wild all the time. We created a campaign and decided to build it around raising awareness for the tigers as they are captivating, beautiful animals. The Zoo worked with DDB NY who connected us to Portugal. The Man and they jumped in to help us.

I agree. You should see one kill a Sambar deer (in the wild, not at the Zoo). I am a tiger nerd.