Tiger Island (Dreamworld)

Tiger Island

Trainers interact with the tigers in the exhibit.
Location Dreamworld
Coordinates 27°51′52.91″S 153°19′4.13″E / 27.8646972°S 153.3178139°E / -27.8646972; 153.3178139Coordinates: 27°51′52.91″S 153°19′4.13″E / 27.8646972°S 153.3178139°E / -27.8646972; 153.3178139
Opening date 1995 (1995)
Attractions
Attractions 1 total
Shows 1

Tiger Island is a wildlife attraction at the Dreamworld amusement park on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.[1] In February 2016, the area was home to ten adult tigers and five cubs.[2] The exhibit is home to both the Bengal and Sumatran tiger species.[3]

History

Tiger Island opened in 1995 as one of only two interactive tiger exhibits in the world. The exhibit featured various locations for the tigers to live, swim and play. Just three years later in October 1998, Dreamworld welcomed their first litter of four Bengal tiger cubs consisting of Rama, Sita, Sultan and Taj. In 2007, the first litter of Sumatran tiger cubs were born featuring Indah and Rahni.[4] A nursery and smaller tiger enclosure were constructed to showcase the younger tigers before being released into the main exhibit.[1][5]

On 20 June 2012, Mohan, one of Dreamworld's original Bengal tigers died after a battle with kidney disease.[6][7] Mohan was born on 2 November 1994 in the United States before being transferred to Dreamworld for the opening of Tiger Island.[8] He weighed in at 180 kilograms (400 lb) and was known as the "King of Tiger Island".[8]

During 2015, two litters were born to father Raja and mother Nika, on the 25th of July, Kai, a male cub, was born, while two female cubs were born on the 29th of November, to the same mother and father, later named during a competition done in conjunction with Channel 7's Sunrise Morning Show, the two female cubs were named Akasha and Adira.

On 19 February 2016, two white tiger cubs were put on public display in a temporary quarantine enclosure, found in Ocean Parade, in front of Zombie Evilution. These two cubs were later to be named Kiko and Kali were flown in from Japan under Dreamworld's partnership arrangement with Hirakawa Zoo in Kagoshima City.

On 29 February 2016, the Tiger Island area closed for refurbishment. Information pertaining to this refurbishment is yet to be released.

Tigers

Name Species Date of Birth Sex Colour Weight OtherInformation Meaning of name Notes
Jaya Sumatran 9 June 2008 Golden with dark stripes 70 kilograms (150 lb) Jaya was born with two sisters Shanti and Ndari. Victory [9]
Kai Sumatran/Siberian 25 July 2015 Golden with dark stripes 25 kilograms (55 lb) A male cub born to Nika and Raja, big brother to the two female cubs born on 29 November 2015 Strong and Unbreakable [10]
Nika Bengal/Siberian 15 April 2006 Golden with dark stripes 160 kilograms (350 lb) Born in Poland, Nika was transferred to Dreamworld in 2013. Her genetics are an important addition to the Tiger Island program. Nika has not been hand-reared and cannot be handled by Tiger Island staff. Belongs to God [2]
Pi Bengal 19 July 2010 Golden with dark stripes 125 kilograms (276 lb) Born at Cairns Wildlife Safari Reserve, Pi was mis-mothered and transferred to Dreamworld to be hand-reared by Dreamworld's experienced tiger handlers. The transfer has given Pi the opportunity to socialise with the other big cats. The main character in the book "Life of Pi" [2]
Raja Sumatran 25 December 2003 Golden with dark stripes 110 kilograms (240 lb) Due to not being hand-raised, Raja cannot be handled by Tiger Island staff and lives in a purpose build exhibit in the back of house. King [11]
Rama Bengal 23 October 1998 Golden with light stripes 180 kilograms (400 lb) Son of Mohan and Samara, and brother to Sultan, Sita and Taj. Part of the Awesome Pawsome born at Dreamworld. Kindly God [12]
Shanti Sumatran 9 June 2008 Golden with dark stripes 70 kilograms (150 lb) Shanti was born with two sisters Jaya and Ndari. Inner Peace [13]
Sita Bengal 23 October 1998 Golden with light stripes 135 kilograms (298 lb) Daughter of Mohan and Samara, and sister to Rama, Sultan and Taj. Part of the Awesome Pawsome born at Dreamworld. Goddess of the Land [14]
Akasha Sumatran/Siberian 29 November 2015 Golden with dark stripes One of two sisters born to Nika and Raja, part of the second litter in 2015. Akasha is of Indian origin where tigers are still able to be found in the wild [10]
Adira Sumatran/Siberian 29 November 2015 Golden with dark stripes The second of two sisters born to Nika and Raja. Adira means strong and noble, reflecting the majestic nature of tigers. [10]
Kiko Bengal 2 November 2015 White with dark stripes One of two female white tiger cubs flown in from Hirakawa Zoo in Japan to be part of Dreamworld's breeding program. [15]
Kali Bengal 2 November 2015 White with dark stripes One of two female white tiger cubs flown in from Hirakawa Zoo in Japan to be part of Dreamworld's breeding program. [15]

Former tigers

This section shows a list of tigers that were present at the park, but are no longer there.

Name Species Date of Birth Sex Colour Weight OtherInformation Meaning of name Notes
Indah Sumatran 31 March 2007 Female Golden with dark stripes 80kg One of the first litter of Sumatran tiger cubs born at Dreamworld. Her father is Raja. Sister to Rahni. Indah was transferred to Western Plains Zoo,Dubbo Beautiful
Kato Sumatran 24 October 2001 Golden with dark stripes 160 kilograms (350 lb) Born in a wildlife park in Sydney and was transferred less than a month later. Kato was later transferred to Symbio Zoo, Sydney Pure
Rahni Sumatran 31 March 2007 Golden with dark stripes 80 kilograms (180 lb) One of the first litter of Sumatran tiger cubs born at Dreamworld. Her father is Raja. Sister to Indah. Now lives at National Zoo and Aquarium, Canberra Brave [16]
Sali Sumatran 11 April 2008 Golden with dark stripes 70 kilograms (150 lb) Born in captivity at Perth Zoo. Steadfast [17]
Sultan Bengal 23 October 1998 Golden with dark stripes 200 kilograms (440 lb) Son of Mohan and Samara, and brother to Rama, Sita and Taj. Part of the Awesome Pawsome born at Dreamworld. Passed away January 2016. Sultan means "Ruler." [18][19]
Taj Bengal 23 October 1998 White with light stripes 195 kilograms (430 lb) Son of Mohan and Samara, and brother to Rama, Sita and Sultan. Part of the Awesome Pawsome born at Dreamworld. Crown [20]
Inca Cougar 4 July 1995 Fawn Between 35 kilograms (77 lb) and 40 kilograms (88 lb). Born in New South Wales and moved to Dreamworld three weeks after birth with her sister Sierra. Off public exhibit, but still alive as at July 2016. Abundance [21]
Sierra Cougar 4 July 1995 Fawn Between 35 kilograms (77 lb) and 40 kilograms (88 lb). Born in New South Wales and moved to Dreamworld three weeks after birth with her sister Inca. Off public exhibit, but still alive as at July 2016. Mountains [22]
Baru Bengal 2 March 2012 Male Golden with dark stripes 165 kg Brother to Ravi. Born in a wildlife park in Sydney and was transferred less than a month later. Has now been transferred to National Zoo and Aquarium, Canberra
Ndari Sumatran 9 June 2008 Female Golden with dark stripes 70 kg Ndari was born with two sisters Shanti and Jaya. Has now been transferred to National Zoo and Aquarium, Canberra Full Moon
Ravi Bengal 2 March 2013 Male Golden with dark stripes 165 kg Brother to Baru. Born in a wildlife park in Sydney and was transferred less than a month later. Has now been transferred to National Zoo and Aquarium, Canberra
Mohan Bengal 2 November 1994 Male White with light stripes 180 kg One of the original tigers when Tiger Island opened in 1995. Passed away in 2012. Father of Sultan, Sita, Rama and Taj Charming [23]
Samara Bengal 1994 Female Golden with dark stripes One of the original tigers when Tiger Island opened in 1995. Moved to the National Zoo in Canberra where she passed away. Mother of Sultan, Sita, Rama and Taj.
Bakkar Bengal 30 December 1994 Male Golden with dark stripes One of the original tigers when Tiger Island opened in 1995. Moved to Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo, Then to the National Zoo in Canberra where he passed away in June 2016. [24]
Rakkhan Bengal December 22 1994 Male Golden with dark stripes 150 kg One of the original tigers when Tiger Island opened in 1995.
Kyla Bengal 1994 Female White with dark stripes One of the original tigers when Tiger Island opened in 1995. Passed away in late 1996. [25]
Jai Bengal 1994 Female White with dark stripes One of the original tigers when Tiger Island opened in 1995.
Kaasha Bengal 24 October 2001 Female Golden with dark stripes Born in a wildlife park in Sydney and was transferred less than a month later. Sister of Kato, passed away less than a year after arriving at Dreamworld.
Soraya Sumatran June 9 2002 Female Golden with dark stripes 85 kg Had 5 cubs in two litters with Raja. Was moved to Mogo Zoo to breed with another male. Princess

Tiger presentations

A tiger drinking milk from a trainers hand during a tiger presentation.
One of the tigers retrieving food from the top of a post during the show.

Tiger presentations are performed twice daily in the main exhibit. Guests can watch as the tigers perform many natural behaviours which showcase their agility. Throughout the presentation the tigers climb 20-foot (6.1 m) trees and jump up to 10-foot (3.0 m) into the air.[26][27] In 2013, Cub College will feature some of the younger tigers performing in the presentation.[28]

Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation

Since 1997, Dreamworld has run the Dreamworld Tiger Fund which aims to support various projects that help save tigers in the wild. The fund has contributed over a million dollars to this cause in the past 15 years. The fund relies on a percentage of profits from merchandise sales, tiger walks and tiger photos as well as donations from the Dreamworld's guests and the wider community.[29]

In March 2012, the DWF was established, collaborating with existing wildlife conservation groups to bring substantial financial support to the conservation movement on a global scale.

An internationally recognised fund committed to the protection, education and conservation of the earth's most magnificent creatures and habitats, crucial to their survival. Through this initiative, you are able to adopt some of the species of animals found in the Dreamworld Corroboree, such as Tasmanian devils, crocodiles, red kangaroos and cassowaries, alongside the Tiger Island tigers.[30]

Tiger Cub Kindy

Upon the closure of Zombie Evilution for the off-peak season, the attraction (and the surrounding area) was fenced off and a portable building appeared, this was later revealed to be a quarantine enclosure that would feature the white tiger cubs now known as Kiko and Kali who were flown in from Japan. A larger playground for the cubs was constructed on the old Stingray ride footprint and the Zombie Evilution exit is currently being used as a temporary Tiger shop during the refurbishment of Tiger Island. The portable building was used from the 19th of February for a temporary home for the white tigers as they needed to be quarantine for a month, the portable building is where the four tigers currently sleep during the refurbishment.

Shopping and dining

Overlooking the tiger exhibit exists a merchandise and a dining outlet. Guests can purchase tiger merchandise at Bengal Bazaar and buy food and beverage items at the Bengal Tea House.[5]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Park Map" (PDF). Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  2. 1 2 3 "Tiger Island | things to do | Dreamworld". www.dreamworld.com.au. Retrieved 2015-12-31.
  3. ↑ "Tigers at Dreamworld". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  4. ↑ "DW-School's History" (PDF). Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  5. 1 2 Dreamworld and WhiteWater World Park Map (2009).
  6. ↑ "Dreamworld mourns loss of tiger Mohan". Gold Coast Bulletin. 21 June 2012. Retrieved 21 June 2012.
  7. ↑ Jabour, Bridie (21 June 2012). "Rare white Dreamworld tiger dies at 17". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 21 June 2012.
  8. 1 2 "Mohan". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  9. ↑ "Jaya". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  10. 1 2 3 "Dreamworld Tiger Cubs | Dreamworld Tiger Island". www.dreamworld.com.au. Retrieved 2015-12-31.
  11. ↑ "Raja". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  12. ↑ "Rama". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  13. ↑ "Shanti". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  14. ↑ "Sita". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  15. 1 2 "Dreamworld Tiger Cubs | Dreamworld Tiger Island". www.dreamworld.com.au. Retrieved 2016-02-26.
  16. ↑ "Rahni". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  17. ↑ "Sali". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  18. ↑ "Sultan". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  19. ↑ "Dreamworld Australia | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2016-01-21.
  20. ↑ "Taj". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  21. ↑ "Inca". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  22. ↑ "Sierra". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  23. ↑ "Mohan". Courier Mail. Retrieved 4 December 2016.
  24. ↑ "Bakkar". Australian Broadcasting Company. Retrieved 4 December 2016.
  25. ↑ "Kyla". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 4 December 2016.
  26. ↑ 27enchantres (3 January 2009). "Tiger Island FULL Show". Video. YouTube. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  27. ↑ "Tiger Presentations". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  28. ↑ Quinlivan, Elouise (19 December 2013). "Dreamworld's tigers to roar into action on Boxing Day". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 30 December 2013.
  29. ↑ "Helping to Save the Tigers". Dreamworld. Retrieved 6 August 2010.
  30. ↑ "Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation". www.dreamworld.com.au. Retrieved 2015-12-31.
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