Siberian tigers
Knuthenborg Safaripark has opened Europe’s largest tiger enclosure with retired circus tigers.
The new tiger forest opened on June 1, 2021, where the first retired circus tiger in Knuthenborg Safaripark, Keni, and our four other tigers now reside.
In 2020, Knuthenborg Safaripark and Dyrenes Beskyttelse (Animal Protection Denmark) built Europe’s largest elephant enclosure for four retired circus elephants. This year, we have followed suit by creating a similar facility for tigers. Knuthenborg Safaripark, in collaboration with Dyrenes Beskyttelse and with support from the QATO Foundation, has designed a tiger enclosure that houses a retired circus tiger from Spain and will eventually house other rescue tigers. The enclosure will be the largest of its kind in Europe, allowing the tigers to live outdoors all year round.
“The collaboration between Dyrenes Beskyttelse and Knuthenborg Safaripark is based on our shared understanding of animal welfare. We have worked extensively together on the retired circus elephants, and it is only natural to continue the good work, this time focusing on tigers in another pioneering international facility,” says Britta Riis, CEO of Dyrenes Beskyttelse.
Unique guest experience in nature – with a focus on tiger welfare
Knuthenborg Safaripark’s old tiger enclosure, ‘Tigerskoven’, has transformed with the new ambitions. The old drive-through facility has been converted into a walk-through area, featuring a 200-meter-long elevated walkway at a height of nearly 5 meters. Visitors can look down and observe the tigers’ lives up close. It offers a special nature and animal experience, providing rare insights into the world’s largest feline’s formidable camouflage abilities and silent movement.
“The new tiger forest is a counterpart to the elephant enclosure, as we have now created the tiger enclosure of the future. It is a facility where welfare and natural environments take center stage, while providing guests with a fantastic animal experience,” says Christoffer Knuth, CEO of Knuthenborg Safaripark.
Therefore, it makes perfect sense for us to welcome a tiger like Keni, who can enjoy a peaceful retirement after a tumultuous life. Tigers are solitary animals and roam large territories in the wild, where they only interact with other tigers to a limited extent. The new enclosure reflects this behavior more closely, as Tigerskoven is divided into four separate areas, allowing some tigers to move naturally on their own while others, who have grown up together, can be paired.
The new tiger forest is located in the same area as the old one, and we are excited to invite all guests into Tigerskoven. The construction of the new facility is supported by the QATO Foundation.
About the Siberian tiger
Habitat
Forest and mountain areas in Russia, China, and North Korea
Lifespan
10-15 years
Weight
Females: 75-165 kg
Males: 100-306 kg
Height
80-110 cm
Gestation
Period 3.5 months
Number of Cubs
2-4 cubs
Conservation Status
Endangered
Did you know…
- The Siberian tiger is also known as the Amur tiger.
- The Siberian tiger is the largest cat in the world. Due to its large size, it is not the fastest cat.
- Only 1 out of 10 hunts result in a successful catch.
- Tigers are solitary animals and extremely territorial. They do not enter each other’s territories unless there is a female in heat.
- The tiger has a secondary set of “eyes” on the back of its ears. If you look closely, you can see the white markings resembling eyes, which are used to scare away intruders. It gives the illusion that the tiger is looking directly at you even though it has its back turned.
- Although tigers are part of the cat family, they are excellent swimmers and love to swim and bathe.
Meet the tigers in Tigerskoven.