WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Nestled amid tall trees and lush Florida flora, Olan, an 11-year-old tiger, confidently showcased himself from behind the protective metal enclosure at Palm Beach Zoo.
As visitors observed, the sounds of rustling leaves and a gentle waterfall created a serene atmosphere while Olan gazed curiously at a large log that serves as a bridge to other paths within the zoo’s newly designed habitat.
Responding to his trainer’s call, Olan made a graceful leap up into an upper corridor, pausing to look down at the onlookers below, illuminated by the warm sunlight. He quickly ventured into the adjacent corridor where a trainer was ready with a special treat for him: a bottle filled with goat’s milk.
Marking his arrival, the zoo officially opened the “Tiger Forest” habitat to the public on Saturday, which includes not only Olan but also two other Malayan tigers, Api and Kadar, who will share the space in a rotating schedule.
Zoo officials celebrated Olan’s introduction with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, unveiling innovative elevated trails that link the three habitats. This unique feature sets Palm Beach Zoo apart from other zoos in the nation, as it allows tigers to engage in more natural behaviors similar to what they would experience in the wild. According to the zoo’s vice president of marketing, Erin Ward, there is hope that additional conservatories will adopt similar designs.
Despite being a newcomer, Olan has quickly adapted and become a vibrant part of the zoo, said Callie Carpenter, an associate curator. She noted that every tiger has a distinct personality, describing Olan as “bold.” His playful nature was highlighted as he interactively played with large boomer balls and tubs of water.
“Olan takes those tubs and joyfully spills all the water while rearranging his space. He’s not just playing gently; he’s exuberantly bouncing around, enjoying his enrichment toys,” Carpenter expressed.
Since arriving from a zoo in El Paso, Texas, Olan has displayed remarkable agility on the trails and has shown an unexpected fondness for the scent of cinnamon, all while showcasing his energetic spirit.
Another significant aspect of Olan’s presence is his potential to mate with the female tiger, Api. The zoo’s aim is to contribute to the preservation of this endangered species through breeding efforts. However, zoo veterinarian Carrie Ullmer emphasized that extensive examinations are necessary to assess whether the genetic profiles of Olan and Api are compatible.
“His arrival gives us a valuable opportunity to ensure genetic diversity by potentially pairing him with Api later,” Ullmer explained. “Before facilitating their interaction, we need to be certain that she is in optimal health to support any possible pregnancy.”
