“A Family For Zoya: The True Story of an Endangered Cub” Turns the Tale of the Zoo’s Life-Saving Efforts into a Children’s Book
Philadelphia Zoo is celebrating the release of the new, nonfiction children’s book “A Family For Zoya: The True Story of an Endangered Cub,” which tells the tale of an Amur tiger given a second chance at life thanks to the experts at Philadelphia Zoo, Oklahoma City Zoo, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
The book captures the inspiring, true story of how a days-old tiger cub, the lone survivor of her litter and rejected by her mother, was cared for by Philadelphia Zoo’s animal care and veterinary teams before being driven across the country to Oklahoma City Zoo to see if she could be adopted into a Sumatran tiger family— something that had never been done before. The beautifully illustrated story introduces young readers to courage, connection, and the importance of wildlife conservation.
The book’s author, Debra Kim Wolf, is donating 100% of her profits to the Tiger Conservation Campaign. Debra, a land conservation attorney (under her married name Debra Wolf Goldstein), was vice president of the Fairmount Park Commission for over a decade; served on Philadelphia’s Park & Recreation Commission; co-founded the Philadelphia Environmental Film Festival; and now directs the environmental nonprofit One Little Earth.
Debra Kim Wolf, author of the newly released illustrated children's book "A Family for Zoya: The True Story of an Endangered Cub,” reads an excerpt from her book at Philadelphia Zoo.
“There are many amazing animal stories that highlight the brilliant, life-saving work that AZA accredited zoos accomplish every day,” said Philadelphia Zoo President & CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman. “Zoya’s story in particular shows how humans can work together to save wildlife. I believe sharing this story will inspire the next generation of conservationists to do their part to protect the natural world.”
“As a member of the Philadelphia Zoo team that cared for Zoya, drove her to Oklahoma City and waited anxiously to see if she would be accepted by her new family, it’s incredible to see how her story will be an inspiration for years and years to come,” said Senior Veterinary Technician Jenna Heinze. “Zoya holds a special place in my heart, and her success story is living proof that humans can work together to save and protect animals.”
“When I first learned of Zoya’s story in 2017, I was so touched by the lengths humans are willing to go to protect what’s precious on our planet,” said author Debra Kim Wolf. “Zoya’s journey reminds us that small acts of kindness, for animals or people, can make a big difference. Keeping this little endangered Amur tiger alive and healthy was important for her whole species.”
“A Family For Zoya: The True Story of an Endangered Tiger Cub” is a 40-page nonfiction picture book for children ages 4-9 that the whole family can enjoy. In addition to chronicling Zoya’s amazing journey, the book includes fun facts about Amur tigers and insider zoo knowledge about caring for these animals. The book is available for purchase at the Zoo’s Main Gift Shop located at North Gate Plaza daily from 9:30am – 5:00pm and the Trading Post next to Big Cat Falls from 11:00am-3:00pm. It is also available for purchase on the Zoo’s website.
“A Family For Zoya: The True Story of an Endangered Tiger Cub” is available for purchase in the Zoo's gift shops or online via the Zoo's website.
Zoya was born to mom Koosaka and dad Grom on July 10, 2017. When it became clear Koosaka was not going to raise the cub, the Philadelphia Zoo team stepped in and began giving her around-the-clock care. Working with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, it was determined Zoya’s best chance of joining another tiger family would be with a Sumatran tiger who had recently given birth to three male cubs. After developing a plan, and a 12-hour drive to Oklahoma City, the teams prepared to introduce Zoya to her new family. They rubbed Zoya all over with her foster siblings’ scents in the hopes Lola would accept her. When Lola reentered the den, she noticed the new cub, and, after several agonizing hours, accepted her in as her own. Zoya began nursing a few hours later, and the vet team at Oklahoma City Zoo confirmed that Lola was producing enough milk and that all four cubs were gaining weight.
In 2019, Zoya moved to Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot, North Dakota, as a part of an AZA Species Survival Plan breeding match with male Viktor. In 2022, Zoya welcomed her first litter of cubs, two male and one female. On May 19, 2025, Zoya welcomed her second litter of cubs, two males and two females.
Philadelphia Zoo is home to four Amur tigers: Females Koosaka and Rory and male brothers Wiz and Dimitri. Guests can visit their habitats at Big Cat Falls.
