Preparations are underway at Adelaide Zoo to celebrate the 20th birthday of a special feline friend, Kemiri the Sumatran Tiger.
The birthday girl, who turns 20 on Tuesday 18 November, will be treated to an array of birthday presents a few days early to coincide with Westpac Animal Play Day on Saturday 15 November.
Adelaide Zoo Carnivore Keeper, Matt Daley says that since Kemiri’s arrival at Adelaide Zoo in 1997 as a three year old, she’s been delighting zoo staff and visitors alike.
“Kemiri was hand reared at Taronga Zoo as her mother was not feeding her effectively and as a result she has a very special relationship with zoo keepers,” Matt said.
“She has a beautiful personality and loves coming up to the fence line for a scratch from zoo keepers and meeting visitors on the Big Cat Interactive Behind the Scenes Animal Experience, proudly supported by AGL.
“As a twenty year old Kemiri is in excellent health, she’s full of energy and always up for a game of hide and seek with zoo keepers!”
Sumatran Tigers are a rare tiger subspecies found on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. With only 450-650 individuals remaining in the wild, Kemiri plays an important role as an ambassador for her species.
Those planning a visit on Saturday will be in for a treat with not only celebrations for Kemiri’s birthday but for all zoo animals!
Westpac Animal Play Day aims to showcase the wonderful, fun ways the zoo keeps its animals fit and healthy by ensuring no two days are ever the same.
Adelaide Zoo volunteers have been working hard in preparation for the event, creating a range of unique environmental enrichment items that will be used to enhance both the animal and guest experience. Guests are encouraged to follow the special schedule to see pouncing lions, leaping lemurs and happy hippos.
For more information including the schedule of events visit the Adelaide Zoo website.
