Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens Welcomes Young Sumatran Tiger Raja: A New Chapter for Conservation
Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, is celebrating the arrival of a very special new resident: a two-year-old male Sumatran tiger named Raja. The young tiger arrived safely from Frankfurt Zoo in Germany and is already adapting well to his new environment, much to the excitement of staff and visitors alike.
Raja’s arrival comes just months after the passing of 13-year-old tiger Kubu, the zoo’s last remaining tiger, who died in March 2024. Kubu had been a cherished part of the Thrigby Hall family since he first arrived in September 2013, and his death left a significant emotional gap for keepers and guests. The park had since been working closely with international partners to ensure that a new tiger could be welcomed into the habitat as part of their ongoing conservation efforts.
Scott Bird, Thrigby Hall’s zoological director, expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude:
“He’s a beautiful young tiger and a fantastic ambassador for his species. Raja brings fresh energy to the park, and we’re incredibly grateful to our supporters for their patience over the past few months. We can’t wait for them to meet him.”
Raja is part of the global species management programme for Sumatran tigers — a critically endangered subspecies with fewer than 400 left in the wild, largely due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Managed through cooperative international efforts between zoos and conservation organisations, this programme plays a vital role in preserving the genetic diversity of the species and building a sustainable captive population.
According to his keepers, Raja has already made a strong impression with his curious, bold personality. He has taken well to his new habitat, showing confidence as he explores the enclosure and interacts with enrichment activities designed to stimulate his natural instincts. His comfort and ease in a new setting speak volumes about his adaptable and inquisitive nature.
Raja’s arrival also marks the beginning of a hopeful new chapter for Thrigby Hall’s tiger conservation programme. Later this year, the young male is expected to be joined by a female Sumatran tiger, selected through the species management plan with the intention of creating a future breeding pair. The potential for cubs in the coming years would be a significant contribution to the global effort to protect this magnificent but imperiled species.
In the meantime, Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens is inviting visitors to come and catch a glimpse of Raja as he continues to settle in. The park remains committed to conservation, education, and providing a safe, enriching environment for some of the world’s most endangered animals.
As Scott Bird put it, “Raja represents hope — not only for our zoo family but for his entire species. Every visit, every moment spent learning about these animals, helps raise awareness and support for their future.”