An endangered Amur tiger is the latest arrival at the Highland Wildlife Park with hopes that love will be in the air.
Royal Zoological Society of Scotland staff have their fingers crossed that the park’s current female Dominika and the new arrival Botzman will breed in the future.
Keith Gilchrist, animal collection manager at the park, said, “We are very excited to welcome Botzman into our care and for visitors to meet him soon.
“For the first few weeks he’ll be kept in a private area while he settles in and then we will slowly begin introductions with Dominika.”
Nine-year-old Botzman was born in Moscow and has spent the last eight years at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo where he recently fathered three cubs, born in 2018.
Graeme Williamson, team leader of predators at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, said, “Botzman is a handsome, confident cat who is known for his incredible ability to jump high up into trees to pull down his dinner.
“He fathered his first litter of cubs in 2018, when he proved himself to be a playful but patient father, teaching his cubs how to climb and swim.
“He will be missed by both zookeepers and visitors at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo but his move to Highland Wildlife Park is a vital part of the European breeding programme for the species.
“With just 500 Amur tigers remaining in the wild, it’s important that tigers like Botzman are given the opportunity to father cubs with other mates, ensuring genetic diversity in the programme and ultimately safeguarding the future of the species.”
He added: “Amur tigers are endangered in the wild and any cubs Botzman and Dominika raise could represent a potentially important contribution to the future of the species, which is at risk of extinction due to extensive habitat loss and poaching.”
The park said it will be some time before visitors are able to catch a glimpse of Botzman as he settles into his new home.
Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo reopened after three months on 29 June.
A crowdfunding campaign was set up to help both centres which need almost £700,000 per month to keep going.