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Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Amur tigers join Europe's biggest tiger enclosure at the Highland Wildlife Park

Amur tigers join Europe's biggest tiger enclosure at the Highland Wildlife Park

Yuri and Sasha, two Amur tigers, formerly known as Siberian tigers, have arrived at Europe's biggest tiger enclosure at the Highland Wildlife Park near Kingussie, Scotland
Picture: GETTY

Hundreds turned out to welcome the pair to their new home, where it is hoped they will continue to breed after having bred six cubs at Edinburgh Zoo, their previous home
Picture: REUTERS

The public were given their first glimpse of the two big cats during their feeding time
Picture: GETTY

They fed off meat hung 12 feet in the air, and appeared to settle in immediately to their new home
Picture: GETTY

Eight members of staff were required to carry in each sedated animal, which can weigh up to 318kg
Picture: GETTY

Their arrival at the wildlife park prompted a need for extra training for the tiger handlers and the requirement for gun licences, a necessity when dealing with the large felines
Picture: GETTY

It is felt that the addition of the rare tigers will raise the profile of the wildlife park
Picture: GETTY

Despite the wild population of Amur tigers being the best it has been since before World War II, the creatures still face the serious threat of extinction
Picture: GETTY

There are currently 500 Amur tigers remaining in the world, it is believed the park can offer a sanctuary in which the tigers can breed and assist in conserving their species
Picture: GETTY

The Amur tiger is now only found around the Amur river valley in Russia. The species had previously been known as the Siberian tiger, until they ceased to populate that region
Picture: GETTY

The park staff are very excited to have living conservation icons in their care
Picture: GETTY

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