THE TIGER DELL

Evening Star, Issue 21724, 19 May 1934, Page 5

THE TIGER DELL

The tiger pit at Whipsnade has heen widely criticised. it lias been accused of being unsuitable for its purpose, displeasing to the eye. and contrary to the ideals ol the country zoo, as a bare, c oncrete-laced pit is a direct contrast to the tiger s natural jungle home But at last Whipsnadc is to show these beautiful large cats in most appropriate surroundings. Although the Zoo authorities insist that the pit is a success, giving as proof the fact that cubs have been ; born and reared there, they have decided to make a concession to public opinion and provide another enclosure for tigers similar to that occupied by the lions. Known as the Tiger Dell, this new feature at Whipsnade will be some hundred yards away from the lion’s enclosure, and will cover half an acre of land well planted, with grass, thorn trees, and shrubs. . In addition it will be furnished with three cave shelters which can be used as feeding dens and a large wooden shelter. But though the arrangement and general appearance of the Tiger Dell will resemble the lion enclosure, there will he some slight differences. As tigers are more agile than lions and excel m climbing and jumping, they will Pot be so easy to keep within bounds. So whereas the lion’s home contains a lew tall trees and is enclosed by bars 12ft high and extending inward in a curve for 3ft, the tiger’s enclosure will he surrounded by bars 17ft high, which will curve over the enclosure to a length of 6Ft, with no tall trees, thus avoiding risk of the animals climbing them and making a jump for freedom. This Tiger Dell is to be ready in time for Whitsuntide, and the first inhabitants will be the three cubs bred at Whipsnade. The parent tigers will remain in the old pit, which is not to be scrapped.