Memphis Zoo gets "rare" white tiger

Posted: 9/20/2006 4:55:06 PM

For the first time since 2000, there will be a white tiger on exhibit at the Memphis Zoo, and zoo officials say she’s here to stay.

“Orissa,” a female white Bengal tiger, and two other Bengal tiger cubs will be joining the Zoo’s Cat Country exhibit this Saturday, September 23.

“Kumari” is a butterscotch-colored female, and “Naryan” is an orange male.

All three of the cubs are about six months old. Orissa is from a private breeder, and siblings Kumari and Naryan came from The Texas Zoo in Victoria, Texas.

Temporary exhibits of white tigers were at the Memphis Zoo in 1988 and again in 2000. White tigers are Bengal tigers with white fur, blue eyes and chocolate-colored stripes.

Bengal tigers are endangered.

The University of Memphis tiger mascot, cheerleaders and athletic coaches will be at the zoo Saturday to celebrate the zoo’s newest residents.

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