Amur (Siberian) tigers are some of the most threatened big cats in the world. They nearly went extinct due to poaching and habitat loss, but in recent years dramatic conservation initiatives have seen their numbers rise. Thanks to the efforts of a dedicated team at the Alekseevka Rehabilitation Centre, Panthera tigris ssp. altaica (Amur tigers’ scientific name) have begun to expand their range.
In February 2012, a starving and frostbitten tiger cub was found in Russia. She was taken to the Alekseevka Rehabilitation Centre, where she eventually recovered. The tigress was named Zolushka (Russian for Cinderella), and at the centre she learned how to hunt live prey. The staff were careful to interact with her as little as possible, so that she would not become accustomed to people. Once Zolushka reached dispersal age at 20-months-old, she was released into the Bastak Nature Reserve.
Sometime after her release, a lone male tiger traveled 124 miles to the reserve. Zolushka has recently been filmed playing with two cubs, which means she must have mated with that male. After a 40-year absence, Amur tigers have returned to the Bastak Nature Reserve. Zolushka’s success also marks the first time a rehabilitated tiger has been known to give birth in the wild.
This is a major victory, not just for Amur tigers, but for humanity. It shows that with care, dedication, and knowledge we can reverse much of the damage we have caused to our planet.
Click here to view the original story from The Guardian. To learn more about tiger conservation in general, please visit Panthera’s website.
The Jaguar 
So beautiful, and for me they are the most beautiful one in big cats… How nice and good to hear this team.Thnak you, love, nia
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Yes, tigers are extremely beautiful! Unless I’m mistaken I think they used to live in Turkey…a long time ago.
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I haven’t heard this, we don’t have think in here, unless in the zoo. Thank you, love, nia
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Yes, it was a long time ago though. Tigers used to have a much larger range than they do now.
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Dear Josh, I really didn’t know anything but I have just searched and I learned that there are some big cats in here still alive… especially in the east and southeast parts in my country. There are some foundations too, for example like this one, ” http://www.rewildingfoundation.org/about/ ” maybe you have already heard… But yes, we heard this famous Anatolian leopard… Thanks and Love, nia
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What a beautiful animal.
And good to know that there is something done for tigers.
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I couldn’t agree more.
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You should read The Tiger by John Vaillant, it’s an interesting and vivid perspective on the culture of Eastern Russia and the way human inhabitants interact and coexist with the dwindling tiger population.
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I’d love to, thanks for the recommendation. I’m always looking for materials on humans’ relationships with wildlife.
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This is incredible news for tiger conservation! Thank you for sharing the story.
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You’re quite welcome :) I’m rather excited about it too.
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A great story and an important victory to conserve our planet’s biodiversity! Thank You for sharing!
It would be a pleasure to reblog it (with full credentials), may I?
Ciao
Marica
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I completely agree, it’s so good to hear positive stories related to tigers. You’re always welcome to reblog anything I post, as long as you give me credit somewhere :)
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thank you, yes of course!! ;)
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Reblogged this on On the Road through and commented:
A beautiful Christmas tale and a major victory for our planet’s biodiversity!
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Thanks for reblogging this!
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Great story and pic. I have goose-bumps knowing that such a beautiful animal has been given another chance at life. Thanks for sharing and all the best for Christmas :)
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Thanks Andy, merry Christmas to you as well! Not only has a beautiful animal been given another chance at life, but now her entire species has a chance to expand its range. It’s amazing what the dedication and generosity of a few people can do.
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