Tiger park chews over how to feed new cubs
By Li Fangchao (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-04-08 06:39

HARBIN: The possible arrival of more than 100 cubs is worrying staff at Harbin's Northeast Tiger Park who do not have enough cash to keep them in meat.

The tigers, an endangered species, will cost hundreds of thousands of US dollars to feed and accommodate.

The park's only source of income is from ticket sales, which barely cover current expenses.

Twenty-three Northeast tigers are confirmed pregnant, a park source said yesterday.

"And according to mating statistics we have recorded recently, more than 40 tigers will become pregnant and give birth this year," he said.

A tiger usually has three or four cubs each time, so the 40 tigers will probably add another 120 cubs to the park.

"More tigers will inevitably add more expense," said Wang Ligang, park director.

At present, income from ticket sales is around 10 million yuan (US$1.2 million) each year, according to Liu Dan, the chief engineer of the park.

"It barely feeds the tigers we have now," he said.

An adult tiger costs more than 30,000 yuan (US$3,600) a year, he said.

At present, there are more than 420 tigers in the park.

The park now has about 120 compounds for the tigers to live in.

Liu predicted that at least 100 more living areas will have to be built. That will cost more than 4 million yuan (US$481,000).

Plus, feeding each cub costs more than 10,000 yuan (US$1,200) each year. "So we have to spend more than 1.2 million yuan (US$144,000) just on feeding the new cubs," said Liu.

Although the park has received some donations and aid from some animal-loving organizations, there is still not enough cash.

The park has applied for financial support from the National Forestry Bureau, Liu said.

The Northeast tiger has been a protected species since 1977. In 1994, it was listed as one of the most endangered animal species by the World Wildlife Fund.

"We will find a way to solve the problem," said Liu. "We can't let them starve to death."

(China Daily 04/08/2005 page3)

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