Animal of the Day/Week: Malayan Tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni)

Mai

Malayan/Malaysian tigers are very fascinating. These tigers are named after a general of a Japanese Imperial Army. In addition, these tigers are the national animal of Malaysia. They can be found in central parts of the Malay Peninsula of Malaysia, southern Thailand and Singapore. These tigers are slightly smaller than Amur Tigers. Despite their similar colors, Malayan tigers have more of a sleeker body. As beautiful as their pelage may be, there is a high demand for their pelage in the black market. This brings me to talk about Mai, our female Malayan tiger at the Henry Doorly Zoo.

Mai has a very special story.  She was found out in the wild nearly on the brink of dying. Poachers have found her with their only intention of salvaging her fur. Fortunately, a rescue team has found her and saved her life. Unfortunately, however, the poachers harmed Mai so bad that the rescue team had to amputate her front left arm in order to save her. After that, she was sent to the Omaha Zoo and she has been receiving a lot of attention. Even though she may have a difficult time getting around on three legs, she is always very eager to move around and greet me whenever I clean her display and back holding.