Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Becomes New Home for ‘Bandar’, a Critically Endangered Sumatran Tiger

• Becomes the first and only Sumatran Tiger at Busch Gardens
• Guests can experience a unique and up-close look at Sumatran and Bengal tigers in Busch Gardens’ Tiger Insider Tour
• Bandar is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) that manages endangered species in accredited zoological facilities, such as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, to protect them from extinction
• Sumatran tigers are currently listed as critically endangered species with less than 400 tigers in the wild due to poaching, habitat loss, and human conflict

TAMPA, Fla. (January 24, 2023) – Busch Gardens Tampa Bay today announced the arrival of a critically endangered male Sumatran tiger who joins the park’s diverse collection of more than 200 animal species. Bandar was transferred from the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, Wash., and is the park’s first Sumatran tiger to join the existing streak of tigers. In his new habitat, he will join Rukayah and Zahra, a Malayan and Bengal tiger, respectively.  Park guests are now able to get up-close with Bandar, a nine-year-old male Sumatran tiger who resides in the Jungala realm of the park.

“Watching Bandar settle into his new home is exciting and inspiring,” said Jenny Mendoza, Vice President- Zoological for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. “We are very thrilled to provide him with a home for him to thrive, share his story with our guests, and have our zoological facilities serve as a building block for the prosperous future of all tigers.”

Learn More About Endangered Tigers with an Insider Tour
The Sumatran tiger is a critically endangered species on the brink of extinction. With less than 400 known Sumatran tigers in the wild, Bandar is part of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). The mission of the SSP is to cooperatively manage specific species populations within AZA-accredited facilities, such as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, which has successfully managed tiger populations for more than five decades.

Guests interested in experiencing a unique and up-close look at Bengal, Malayan and Sumatran tigers can purchase a Tiger Insider Tour to gain an insider's perspective of the care of this endangered species and learn how our parks help to protect this powerful species in the wild. Through these engaging and educational opportunities, guests can learn how they can make a difference for their counterparts in the wild.

Pay for a Day, Play and Splash All Year
For a limited time, for the price of a single day admission ticket to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, guests can secure their 2023 Fun Card guaranteeing year-round access to a stellar event lineup, award-winning rollercoasters like Iron Gwazi, thrilling attractions such as Serengeti Flyer, and endless waterpark fun under the sun at Adventure Island. Right now, guests can purchase a Busch Gardens Fun Card at BuschGardensTampa.com and receive an Adventure Island Water Park Fun Card for FREE.

Guests can learn more about all the events, special deals and future announcements by visiting BuschGardensTampa.com and following Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

About Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay is the ultimate family adventure, offering 300 acres of fascinating attractions based on exotic explorations around the world. Busch Gardens is a unique blend of thrilling rides, an AZA accredited zoo with thousands of animals representing more than 200 species, and exciting seasonal events all year providing unrivaled experiences for guests of every age. For more information, visit www.BuschGardensTampa.com. Busch Gardens is owned by SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS), a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world.
 

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