Yuki, the beloved Amur tiger from Longleat, has started an exciting new chapter in her life, leaving the Wiltshire estate to join Knowsley Safari in Merseyside. This move is part of a European breeding programme aimed at preserving the endangered species, of which there are only around 450 individuals left in the wild.
At just five years old, Yuki is an intelligent and photogenic tiger known for her early development, having learned vital survival skills from her mother, Yana. She spent much of her younger years observing her mother and playing with her cub siblings. Yuki’s family remains at Longleat, where they form the largest group of Amur tigers in the UK. These include her brother, Rusty, who moved to Blackpool Zoo in 2023, as well as siblings Ginger Biscuit, Dora-Boo, Heidi, and Seeka.
Kayleigh Smith, Lead Carnivore Keeper at Longleat, fondly recalls Yuki’s playful and inquisitive nature: “Yuki has always been a step ahead, and watching her grow from a tiny cub into the impressive tiger she is today has been an absolute privilege. Her journey to Knowsley marks an important step in our efforts to contribute to the future of Amur tigers.”
The move to Knowsley Safari also comes with high hopes for a potential mating with Makari, a male tiger who has been at the park since 2023. The breeding programme aims to strengthen the gene pool of this rare and critically endangered species.
Pete Johnson, Deputy Team Manager at Knowsley Safari, said: “We are thrilled to have Yuki join us, and she’s already making a wonderful impression with the keepers. We look forward to sharing updates as she settles into her new home and continues her role in the breeding programme.”
Amur tigers, native to the far east of Russia, are an iconic species known for their strength, size, and beauty. They can weigh up to 300 kg and stretch over three metres in length. The move to Knowsley marks a significant contribution to the conservation of this majestic cat, ensuring that future generations of Amur tigers will thrive in the wild.
