Posted Friday, January 2, 2009 --- 3:20 p.m.

Release from the Office of the Dane County Executive:

Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk today announced arrival of the Henry Vilas Zoo’s newest members of its animal collection, an Amur Tiger. Often referred to as Siberian tigers, they are the most endangered and largest of all big cats. “We are lucky to have this beautiful tiger, for the enjoyment and education of our visitors, and to help save this precious species,” Falk said.

Only an estimated 300 remain in the wild, and 150 are exhibited in Zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Henry Vilas Zoo partners with the AZA’s Amur Tiger Species Survival Plan to sustain a captive population of Amur Tigers, and educate Zoo visitors about conservation initiatives to protect Amur Tigers.

The Zoo’s new tiger is “Cyber,” a nine-year old male. Born at the Minnesota Zoo and transferred from the Great Plains Zoo, he weighs about 450 pounds. Cyber can usually be seen in his outside exhibit from about 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Zoo Director Jim Hubing says: “Cyber is adjusting well to his new exhibit; he loves fresh snow and watching visitors. This is a great example of AZA Accredited Zoos working together to help save a species from extinction.”

Special thanks to Pepsi-Cola of Madison for donating funds to bring Cyber to the Henry Vilas Zoo.