Want to head somewhere tropical? Well, how about going somewhere just steps away from Edmonton’s River Valley? Until March 6, the Edmonton Valley Zoo is partnered with the Muttart Conservatory to celebrate the Year of the Tiger.
The Feature Pyramid at the Muttart Conservatory is showing off posters and displays of tigers for the Lunar New Year. Come learn about these beautiful apex carnivores and how they operate in their habitats.
Did you know the black and orange pelt of a tiger is used for camouflage in the wild? This is your chance to look for yourself! During your visit, you’ll be able to spot the tigers hidden among the azaleas, and lush, tall tropical plants.
Even though tigers are at the top of their food chain, they are classified as endangered in the Red List of Threatened Species by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is estimated there are fewer than 3,200 tigers remaining in the wild. Two of the largest factors for the tigers’ status are loss of habitat and poaching.
Why should we care about the decrease in the population of these predators? Tigers are a big part of maintaining balance in the food chain. As they prey on other animals – mainly herbivores – they control overgrazing. By helping the ecosystem from degrading in this way, tigers actually help mitigate climate change.
To learn more about this incredible species – and for a chance to head to the tropics in our own backyard – head to the Muttart Conservatory to check out the Year of the Tiger Feature Pyramid. You’ll learn about tigers, see a tiger pelt and skulls of endangered species, and even play some truth or dare or a scavenger hunt! Every Sunday from 1-4 p.m. until March 6 there will be an interpreter from the Edmonton Valley Zoo on hand to help explain more about tigers and answer any questions you might have.
