Tyger Tyger burning bright...

Visitors to Chester Zoo are in for a treat as Kepala, an endangered Sumatran tiger, moves into his new home for his second birthday.

For the first time in 21 years Chester Zoo will be home to a Sumatran tiger. Kepala, which means headstrong, will move into his new home just days before his birthday on May 20th. Kepala will temporarily share his new home with Bengal tigers Kahli and Rhani as the Zoo awaits the arrival of a new female Sumatran tiger.

Sumatran tigers are critically endangered in the wild. In fact there are less than 400 left outside of captivity as their Sumatran habitat has been devastated by deforestation and their numbers destroyed by poaching. The Sumatran tiger is the smallest living sub-species of tiger.

Kepala has come from Dudley Zoo and is expected to be one of the main attractions at Chester Zoo this summer. It is hoped that Kepala will breed with the soon to arrive female tiger. Mike Jordan, Curator of Birds and Mammals, believes that "zoo breeding programmes are critical to ensure the survival of the species."

Chester Zoo is home to more than 500 different species of birds and animals and provides a great day out for all the family. Book your tickets for the zoo and an overnight stay in a nearby hotel with Chester Zoo Holidays today.