Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Chester Zoo welcomes endangered Sumatran tiger Dash with hope for cubs

Dash, identified as a genetically compatible mate for the zoo’s resident female Kasarna, has arrived as part of a special breeding programme.

Lily Ford
Tuesday 02 August 2022 19:04 BST
Dash is said to have settled into his new surroundings (Chester Zoo/PA)
Dash is said to have settled into his new surroundings (Chester Zoo/PA) (PA Media)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Chester Zoo has welcomed a “handsome, confident” Sumatran tiger named Dash.

First pictures of the three-year-old tiger were released as Dash was recruited from Fota Wildlife Park in Ireland to help protect his critically endangered species.

He has been identified as a genetically compatible mate for the zoo’s resident female, Kasarna, as conservationists hold out hope for the emergence of some cubs.

“Dash is a handsome, confident young tiger and he’s quickly settled into his new surroundings,” director of animals and plants at Chester Zoo Mike Jordan said.

“He’s been carefully matched with female tiger Kasarna, based on his age, character and his genetics, and we’re hopeful that they’ll soon strike up a close bond and, one day, go on to have cubs.

“Sumatran tigers are exceptionally rare and, sadly, their wild population continues to feel enormous pressure from mass-scale habitat loss, poaching and human-tiger conflict.

“Every single cub could be critical to its future.”

Sumatran tigers have webbed paws which make them talented swimmers and also have stripes closer together than other types of tiger.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in