May 21, 2020
Our female Amur tiger, Katya, was born at the Seneca Park Zoo on May 21, 2005. Katya can often be found napping around her habitat or playing with enrichment. Some of her favorite enrichment items include boxes and bags, and spices such as ground ginger and nutmeg!
Once known as Siberian tigers, the name changed to Amur tiger to reflect their home range more accurately. These tigers are found within the Amur River Valley in southeast Russia and northeastern China. Amur tigers are the largest cat species in the world; adult males can grow up to 11ft long and be over 600 lbs! Adult females grow to around 9ft long and are 300-400lbs. Amur tigers are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
An Amur tiger’s median life expectancy is 14 years. At 15, Katya shows signs of arthritis and age-related issues. She receives daily treatment, which includes supplements and pain relievers, that she takes very easily in a favorite treat of hers, a fish called a capelin! Last year, her habitat was also renovated to give Katya easier ways to perform natural behaviors. A large high bench was installed, which she lays on almost daily to watch her surroundings. Surrounding stumps make it easy for her to get up and down. Tigers are one of the few cat species who enjoy water, so a large pool was buried in her yard. Katya loves to soak in it on hot days.
We can’t wait to have you all back at the zoo to learn about our amazing animals and help us celebrates Katya’s 16th year!
– Randi Krieger
*Top header photo taken by Kenny Krieger
