Bengali Tiger

One of the most fearsome animals in the wilds are the Tigers. They are considered to be the largest members of the cat family. Noted for their power, agility and strength, these animals are very frightening to herbivores and other small animals. They are on the top of the food chain and well known to be skillful and powerful hunters using their agility and strength to catch their prey.

Cebu Zoo has one of this ferocious beasts which happen to be a Bengali Tiger. The large cat have light brown and orange coats with black and dark brown stripes all over the body. The belly and chest furs are colored white, and their tails have a distinctive white and black rings. Today, Bengali Tigers have a conservation status which is now on a Threatened state which means that they are now on an Endangered Status  with numbers gradually going down.

Scientifically known as Panthera tigris tigris, the Bengali tiger is a native in countries of India, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. The Male Bengali tigers are naturally larger than females. They reach up to 10 feet in length and weigh more than 600 pounds. Females reach up to only 8.5 feet and weigh up to 580 pounds.

The male Bengali Tiger reach sexual maturity at age 5 while females at 3 to 4 years of age. Though these tigers do not have an exact mating season, some studies have found out that the peak of their sexual activity ranges on a winter season. About 1 to 4 cubs will be born after 105 days in the womb of their mother.

In Cebu Zoo, the Bengali Tiger was named Boggart. Boggart is a male Bengali tiger. His cage can be found on the lowermost portion of Cebu Zoo.

Boggart the Cebu Zoo Tiger on his cage.