Two Endangered Big Cats Arrive at Philadelphia Zoo, Paired with Resident Cats for Species Survival Plan Breeding Program

Philadelphia Zoo is celebrating the arrival of two big cats to its growing family.

Female Amur tiger Rory and male Amur leopard Rafferty both arrived at the Zoo in early summer and are now visible to guests inside their habitats at Big Cat Falls. Rory came to the Zoo on an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding recommendation with one of the Zoo’s brothers, Wiz and Dimitri. Rafferty has been paired with Kira through the same program. The goal of the SSP is to manage populations of threatened, endangered and other species across AZA institutions to maintain long-term genetic and demographic viability to protect species from extinction. Amur tigers are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with an estimated wild population of less than 500. Amur leopards are listed as critically endangered by the IUCN with an estimated population of less than 150. The main threats for both these species, that share most of the same geographic area in the Amur River Valley in Russia, includes habitat loss and poaching.

“As a facility accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, one of our most important roles is to protect endangered species from extinction,” said Vice President of Animal Wellbeing and Conservation, Rachel Metz. “We are excited to welcome these two beautiful big cats to their new home and are equally excited for our guests to meet them. Our animal care professionals are diligently working to get to know the cats and their personalities, and are also closely monitoring for signs the cats are ready to be introduced to their mates. We are keeping our fingers crossed that we will welcome cubs in the coming years.”

“Our big cat team has already fallen in love with both Rory and Rafferty,” said Assistant Director of Carnivores Jackie Stone. “Rory has very expressive ears and loves playing with the different enrichment items, from toys covered in scents to ice treats. Rafferty is a curious cat that enjoys interacting with his keepers during training sessions.”

Philadelphia Zoo has previously had success breeding these two endangered species. In 2017, Amur tiger Koosaka gave birth to cub Zoya, who later went on to live at the Oklahoma City Zoo and has since had two litters of her own at Roosevelt Park Zoo in North Dakota. Philadelphia Zoo has also welcomed two female Amur leopard cubs born, one in 2000 and again in 2002.

With the addition of 4-year-old Rory, the Zoo is now home to four Amur tigers: 13-year-old brothers Wiz and Dimitri and 18-year-old female Koosaka. With the addition of 8-year-old Rafferty, the Zoo is now home to two Amur leopards that include him and 11-year-old female Kira. All the cats, including snow leopards Yuki and Marcy, African lions Makini and Tajiri, and puma siblings Elbroch and Olympia, rotate through the different habitats inside Big Cat Falls and the Big Cat Crossing Zoo360 trail; different animals are visible to guests depending on the day they visit. Guests are encouraged to check the activations schedule as the enter Big Cat Falls to see times for daily feedings or training sessions.

About Amur tigers

Amur tigers are found in isolated forests across eastern Asia, including the Amur River Valley in the southern tip of Russia along the border of China. Amur tigers are considered the largest subspecies of tiger, making them the largest big cat in the world. Males can grow to be 11 feet long from their nose to tip of their tails and weigh about 400 pounds. Amur tigers also have the palest orange fur compared to the other subspecies. Tigers hunt alone, actively searching for prey more often than waiting in ambush. However, they are not very efficient hunters. Generally, they only catch their prey in one in 20 tries. Amur tiger gestation is typically 3.5 months with litters ranging from two to six cubs. Cubs rely on their mothers for food and stay with them typically up to two years.

About Amur tiger Rory

She was born July 20, 2021 at Toledo Zoo. The public voted to choose her name, and donations to name her and her twin Alexei went to tiger conservation efforts. At four years old, she is considered fully grown but will likely fill out a bit more. She weighs almost 300 pounds. She also has longer whiskers than any other tiger at the Zoo.

About Amur leopards

Amur leopards are the rarest and most critically endangered mammal species that live at the Zoo. These leopards only exist in the Amur River Valley in the southern tip of Russia along the border of China. Their coats include the typical leopard rosettes and change through the seasons. In the summer, their coat is lighter and about an inch thick, while in the winter their coat gets darker and grows to about three inches long. Their legs are longer than those of other leopard species; this is considered an adaptation for walking through deep snow. They are great at stalking and can track prey to within a few yards before pouncing. Amur leopard gestation is typically 3.5 months with litters of usually two to three cubs. Cubs rely on their mothers for food and stay with them typically up to two years.

About Amur leopard Rafferty

Rafferty was born at Utah’s Hogle Zoo February 17, 2017. His name means “one who possesses prosperity.” He previously sired offspring at Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York in 2019  which is where he was before coming to Philadelphia Zoo. He has two different colored eyes that our veterinary team is monitoring to ensure his health.