Lestari the Sumatran Tiger Cub Celebrates her First Christmas at West Midland Safari Park

A festive cheer has taken hold at West Midland Safari Park as Lestari, a five-month-old Sumatran tiger cub, celebrates her first Christmas with her mother, Dourga. In a heartwarming gesture, the park's events team provided Lestari with her very own Christmas tree, offering her an exciting sensory experience.

Enrichment is a crucial aspect of the animal's well-being at the park, and the Christmas tree presented a perfect opportunity for Lestari to explore and engage in natural behaviours. Chris Hodgkins, Head Keeper of Carnivores, shared, “As it’s Lestari’s first Christmas, we wanted to make it extra special for her. Giving her a Christmas tree as enrichment allows her to have something to investigate and play with.”

Witnessing Lestari's joy was undoubtedly a highlight for the park's keepers. The playful cub took to the tree immediately, stalking, pouncing, and even dragging it around her habitat. According to Mr. Hodgkins, Lestari's antics proved that she has been a good girl this year and may even receive a special gift from Santa.

This heartwarming story is just one of the many ways West Midland Safari Park celebrates the holiday season. Each year, the park adorns over 300 trees for events like Santa Safari and Safari Skating, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors of all ages.

But the festivities at the park don't end with the arrival of the new year. When the Christmas season concludes, the park repurposes the trees as enrichment for the animals or recycles them through their 'treecycling' campaign in partnership with the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust.

Park staff and volunteers will collect used Christmas trees for treecycling, with the chipped trees serving as bedding for the animals, offering both comfort and entertainment.

The treecycling initiative is also an opportunity to support children and families battling childhood cancer. Donations for treecycling will go towards the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust, providing vital assistance to those in need.

West Midland Safari Park remains open to guests throughout the Christmas period, allowing visitors to embark on a winter safari, explore pedestrianised areas, and catch a glimpse of captivating animals like Lestari and her mother, Dourga, in the mesmerising Tiger Tropics.

For those seeking more thrills, Safari Skating is a must-try experience. Available until the 7th of January, 2024, this exhilarating activity is the perfect complement to a day at the park. Tickets are priced at £8.50 when added to winter admission or a Santa ticket, and £13.50 for skating only. Children under three can skate for free, creating a memorable outing for the whole family.

Don't miss out on the chance to be part of Lestari's first Christmas and contribute to a worthy cause, all while experiencing the enchantment of the West Midland Safari Park. Book your tickets in advance on the park's website and embark on an adventure you won't forget!