Woburn Safari Park welcomes Amur tiger Ginger Biscuit in conservation move
The 2-year-old tiger relocates through a European breeding programme, after growing up as part of Longleat’s litter of four female cubs
Last updated 9 hours ago
A two-year-old Amur tiger from Longleat is moving to Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire as part of an international conservation programme aimed at supporting the future of one of the world’s rarest big cats.
Ginger Biscuit, who was born at Longleat on 9 May 2024, is scheduled to relocate on 7 July 2026 as part of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), which coordinates breeding between wildlife parks.
The female tiger is one of four cubs born to mother Yana and father Red. She grew up alongside her sisters Dora-Boo, Heidi and Seeka, becoming part of one of the UK’s most closely followed tiger litters over the past two years.
Keepers at Longleat watched Ginger Biscuit develop from a vulnerable newborn into a confident young tiger. During her early life, she and her sisters gradually explored the outdoor habitat under their mother’s guidance and became known for spending time playing in the pond.
The move reflects the natural stage where young tigers begin to leave their mothers and establish their own territories. In the wild, young Amur tigers typically stay with their mother for up to three years before moving on.
Supporting a species under pressure
Amur tigers, also known as Siberian tigers, are among the rarest tiger populations in the world. They are native to the forests of the Russian Far East and parts of north-east China, where they rely on large territories to hunt and survive.
The species has faced major threats over decades, including habitat loss and historical hunting pressures. Today, only around 450 Amur tigers are estimated to remain in the wild, making conservation work focused on protecting the species’ future particularly important.
In their natural habitat, Amur tigers are adapted to some of the coldest conditions faced by any big cat. Their thick coats and large bodies help them survive harsh winters, while their wide-ranging territories allow them to hunt prey such as deer and wild boar.
Conservation programmes involving wildlife parks, including the European Endangered Species Programme, help maintain a carefully managed population of Amur tigers and support efforts to protect the species from further decline.
"Confident young tiger"
Ben Davies, Team Leader, Carnivores at Woburn Safari Park, said the team was looking forward to welcoming Ginger Biscuit and supporting her move as part of the wider breeding programme.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming Ginger Biscuit to Woburn. She’s an important addition to the European breeding programme, and her arrival reflects the role modern safari parks play in protecting species that are under real pressure in the wild. Our team will be focused on helping her settle in and ensuring she continues to thrive,” he said.
Amy Waller, Carnivore Team Manager at Longleat, said Ginger Biscuit’s departure was a significant moment after watching her grow alongside her sisters.
“Ginger Biscuit has been a big part of life here over the past two years, and we’ve watched her grow into a confident young tiger alongside her sisters. While it’s always a difficult moment to see them move on, this is exactly what the programme is designed for, and we’re proud to see her heading to Woburn as part of that wider conservation effort,” she said.
Careful introduction to her new home
After arriving at Woburn Safari Park, Ginger Biscuit will be introduced gradually to her new surroundings. The animal team has prepared her habitat and overnight facilities ahead of the move to help create a familiar environment while she settles in.
Keepers at Woburn will work closely with colleagues at Longleat throughout the transition. In the days after her arrival, Ginger Biscuit will begin becoming familiar with resident Amur tigers Dmitri and Vera through protected introductions as part of the park’s careful management process.