Quick Facts
Conservation Status:
Endangered
Size:
165 to 750 pounds
Lifespan:
10 to 20 years
Michael
October 25, 2021
Mitchell
October 25, 2021
Our Tigers
Named after two brothers who attended LSU, Michael and Mitchell are perfect examples of brotherly love. They arrived at Zoosiana as small cubs in the winter of 2021 and our guests have enjoyed watching them grow over the years. Tigers love water and these guys are no exception! Guests can watch as they jump and splash in their pond within their exhibit. Michael and Mitchell can be seen from the boardwalk on the north end of the zoo near the African Crested Porcupine and Black Spider Monkey exhibits.
In the Wild
Bengal Tigers are the most common subspecies of tigers. They are seldom far from a water source; there are Bengal tigers that live in wet mangrove forests along the Ganges River in India. Tigers are highly endangered due to human hunting and encroachment on their forest habitat. For many years, tigers have been hunted for their fur. Tigers also suffer from habitat loss. When people move into areas where tigers live, tigers are forced into smaller and smaller areas where there may not be enough food for the big cats to survive. About 3,400 Bengal tigers remain in their native habitat of India, Nepal, and Pakistan.
Fun Facts
- Each tiger has its very own stripe pattern.
- Tigers are excellent and powerful swimmers and even have partially webbed toes.
- A tiger's night vision is six times better than a human's.
- Tigers can carry prey that is up to twice their own body weight.