Lowry Park brags about their irresponsibility in not spaying the white tiger upon arrival. Using her misfortune and that of cubs born into cages for lives of confinement and deprivation for their own gain. Shame on Lowry Park Zoo.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT: Dana Metz
Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo
813-935-8552 ext. 208
dana.metz@lowryparkzoo.com


MEDIA NOTE: Members of the media are welcome at the zoo Saturday morning, July 14 from 9:30am-12 noon for the official debut of the white tiger cubs, Alex & Ashley. Festivities will include treats and special activities for children. If you would prefer to film during the week as a preview, we can accommodate on a request basis. The cubs can be filmed anytime between 9:30am – 12 noon daily. Please call or email Dana Metz to make arrangements to film in advance – 813-957-3337 or dana.metz@lowryparkzoo.com.

High resolution photos of the cubs can be obtained by emailing Jason Davis at jason.davis@lowryparkzoo.com.


TAMPA’S LOWRY PARK ZOO CELEBRATES AN EVENT FULL OF “AWWWS AND PAWS” WITH PUBLIC DEBUT OF WHITE TIGER CUBS

Zoo to Celebrate Public Debut of White Tiger Cubs Saturday, July 14, 9:30am-12:00 noon


TAMPA, Fla. (July 6, 2007) – Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is preparing to celebrate a baby shower for two of its newest and cutest animal residents. Ashley and Alex, two white tiger cubs will be making their public debut at the “Awwws and Paws” baby shower on Saturday, July 14th from 9:30am-12:00 noon. Enjoy entertainment, treats and more. This event, which will happen rain or shine, is included with daytime zoo admission and is free for Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo ass-holders. Guests wishing to bring a shower gift are invited to donate items from the provided list, which will be used to enrich the daily lives of more than 2,000 animal residents. Collection of the enrichment items will occur at the zoo’s front gate.
Enrichment Items: non-toxic water-based paints; white or brown butcher paper; medium or large cowbells; burlap, blankets (can be used, but must be clean); heavy-duty dog, parrot or horse toys; brown paper lunch bags; "Kong" brand toys (any size and color); "Jolly Ball" brand balls (any sizes that have molded handles); adult t-shirts and artist's canvas.
The mother, Nikki, a 10-year-old female white tiger, gave birth to the litter of cubs before dawn on Monday, April 16. Nikki and the father, Yala, arrived at the zoo in mid-January. Zoo staff had been advised that it was possible the female was pregnant due to breeding observed at the tigers’ prior home, but zoo animal care staff restricted observations to non-invasive techniques to minimize stress on the animal during her transition period.
White tigers originate from Bengal tigers. They are not albinos and they are not a separate subspecies of tiger. They have blue eyes, a pink nose and white fur covered with chocolate-colored stripes. White tigers are born to tigers that carry the unusual gene needed for white coloring. Wild white tigers are very rare because their white coats provide poor camouflage, making them easily spotted by prey. The life expectancy of tigers is 15 to 17 years, although white tigers typically have shorter lives because of their unique genetics.
Public viewing of the tiger cubs and mom will be limited to 9:30am-12:00 noon daily as the cubs continue to mature. They will rotate on exhibit with their white tiger father, Yala, and the zoo’s Sumatran tiger, Eric.

About Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo
Serving one million visitors in the Fiscal Year ended September 30, 2006, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) cultural organization committed to excellence in education, conservation and research. Named the #1 family-friendly zoo in America by Child magazine, the zoo is located at 1101 W. Sligh Avenue in Tampa, one mile west of I-275 (exit 48). Parking is free. Visit www.lowryparkzoo.com or call (813) 935-8552 for more information.
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MEDIA NOTE: The “Awwws and Paws” celebration will be Saturday, July 14 from 9:30 a.m.-12 noon. Festivities will include entertainment, treats and more throughout the morning.