Calgary Zoo helping its tigers become parents
Posted Mar 10, 2021 11:05 am.
Last Updated Mar 10, 2021 11:06 am.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – The Calgary Zoo is trying to help its two Amur tigers become parents.
The tigers, Sarma and Youri have been at the zoo since 2017 and 2018 respectively but have not been able to successfully produce cubs.
Now, zoo staff are now looking to help the pair as a part of Assisted Reproductive Therapy.
Last week, our Amur tigers, Sarma and Youri, participated in assisted reproductive therapy! ????❤️You can read more about the process here: https://t.co/Hrhmt4iYe7 pic.twitter.com/zeV04EXUUI
— Calgary Zoo (@calgaryzoo) March 10, 2021
“Sarma and Youri are genetically significant animals within the global Amur tiger population,” said Director of Animal Care and Health, Jamie Dorgan. “Supporting them to successfully produce offspring is critical for the international efforts to save wild Amur tigers from extinction.”
Hormone therapy is being used to induce ovulation and then Sarma is being artificially inseminated.
The zoo is now keeping a close on Sarma to see if she becomes pregnant.
Amur tigers, previously known as Siberian Tigers. are classified as an endangered species with an estimated 540 left in the wild.
