The West Lothian Courier has teamed up with Blair Drummond Safari Park to offer readers the chance to win a family pass for two adults and two children each week - and learn a bit more about their residents at the same time.
We have just marked International Tiger Day, an annual celebration to raise awareness for tiger conservation. This year it was doubly special, as it also happens to be the Year of the Tiger.
Tigers are an endangered species and have suffered a huge population decrease in the past 100 years. It is estimated that their numbers dropped from 100,000 to 3200 in this time.
After a century of decline, however, overall wild tiger numbers are starting to increase once more. Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, numbers have increased by 40 per cent since 2015. There are now believed to be around 4500 in the wild.
Although their numbers have thankfully increased, much more work needs to be done to secure the future of these beautiful animals. Tigers face threats from poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and habitat loss. It is estimated that they have lost 95 per cent of their historical habitat. Blair Drummond is home to two amur tigers, Hope and Vitali. Hope, the female tiger, is the smaller of the two and is recognisable by the love-heart shaped markings above her eyes. Vitali, the male, is bigger and fluffier.
Unlike many other big cats, tigers like the water and are excellent swimmers. They can even hunt whilst in the water, This is why you will find a big pool in the centre of the tiger enclosure. Keepers will often place bits of meat on a raft in the middle of the pool as a form of enrichment. You will also find a cave in their habitat. Within their territories, tigers will often choose to position their dens in caves for added protection and seclusion.
Blair Drummond Safari Park is open seven days a week from 10am until 5.30pm Monday to Friday with 7pm closures on selected Saturdays and Sundays throughout August. Tickets can be booked online at blairdrummond.com.
For a chance to win a family pass, which can be used any one day during the park’s opening season this year, just answer the following question: How many tigers are there in the wild in 2022? Send the coupon with the answer, name, address and contact number to: Safari Park Competition, West Lothian Courier, One Central Quay, Glasgow, G3 8DA. Deadline is Wednesday at 4pm. Only original vouchers will be accepted.
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