Fresno Chaffee Zoo welcomes new Malayan tiger, Batari, to Kingdoms of Asia exhibit

FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — Fresno Chaffee Zoo has introduced its newest resident, an 8-year-old female Malayan tiger named Batari.

Batari arrived in September from the Tulsa Zoo.

Batari has settled into her new home and is exploring her habitat in the Kingdoms of Asia exhibit, where visitors can now see her.

Batari joins the zoo as a match for Penari, the male Malayan tiger.

However, since tigers are naturally solitary, they are typically seen in separate habitats.

This pairing is part of a Species Survival Plan facilitated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, aimed at preserving the critically endangered Malayan tiger population.

“Our Zoo is excited to support the conservation efforts of the Malayan tiger SSP in this way,” said Nicole Presley, the zoo’s general curator.

[RELATED] Foster cat spices up family dinner with surprise ingredient

Presley continued, “Kingdoms of Asia was designed with the intention to have more space for pairing, and we are happy to bring that goal to fruition. We are hopeful that there could be tiger cubs in the Zoo’s future.”

Visitors are encouraged to give Batari a warm welcome at the Kingdoms of Asia exhibit.