Press Release
For Immediate Release
Date: August 10, 2006
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For More Information
Contact: Cynthia Shipley
Supervisor, Public Relations
(416) 392-5938 |
Toronto Zoo launches AGF TIGER-CAM!
Rare and recently born Sumatran tigers can be seen on the web 24/7!
August 10, 2006, Toronto, Ontario: Toronto Zoo today launched Canada's first Sumatran Tiger web-cam offering a unique look at two six-week-old Sumatran tiger cubs, born June 28, 2006. AGF Management Limited is funding the "AGF Tiger-cam", where visitors from around the world can access the cubs in real time in a behind the scenes maternity den via the Zoo's website,
www.torontozoo.com. Toronto Zoo has also installed a television screen on-site for visitors to the Sumatran tiger house.
The two six week-old Sumatran tiger cubs, born June 28, 2006, are still being carefully nurtured by their mother Brytne and will be introduced to their exhibit in September when they are bigger and Mom is willing to let them explore!
"AGF has supported the Zoo's Sumatran tiger exhibit for many years now," said Blake Goldring, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AGF Management Limited. "The AGF Tiger-cam will help raise awareness of this highly endangered animal, which embodies the same qualities we value as an investment management company - strong, agile and decisive. We applaud the Toronto Zoo - the launch of this new technology is an example of the leadership role the Zoo plays in conservation, education and research."
This is the second litter born to the Zoo's two adult Sumatran tigers, Brytne and Rengat and as yet, their sexes have not been determined. Their first three offspring, the first Sumatran tigers born in Canada, are now on loan to the Dallas Zoo. The births are vitally important to the world populations of Sumatran tigers which, despite protection, are still hunted in their native island of Sumatra. As few as 400 may remain in the wild and experts fear the species could be extinct in ten years. The female Brytne and male Rengat were paired as part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP). SSPs carried out by North American zoos to captive breed endangered animals use computer dating to ensure new genetic input and compatible breeding partners.
These animals are the smallest and darkest of the tigers. Cubs are born helpless and blind after a gestation period of approximately 100 days. They weigh about 1.4kg and nurse for six months. They are independent by the age of two years. In the wild, their life expectancy is approximately fifteen years, generally longer in zoos.
To view the AGF Tiger-Cam and learn how to participate in the cub naming contest this fall, visit
www.torontozoo.com.
