Working under the Programme for studying the Amur tiger in the Russian Far East, the Russian Academy of Sciences’ A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, in conjunction with the Special Inspectorate “Tiger”, completed the construction of a rehabilitation centre for orphaned tiger cubs. Built with the support of the Russian Geographical Society, the centre is just about ready to welcome the tiger cubs. The experts are making the final touches in preparations for the first batch of arrivals.

The rehab centre’s enclosures are located within an area of 3 ha. This is Russia’s largest facility for young orphaned animals. The large area where the nursery is located is instrumental in getting wild animals (other rare species of animals will be kept here as well) ready for living in the wild.

Two lightweight structures for security and service personnel were built near the rehab centre, and more buildings will be constructed later for use by researchers. Severtsov Institute senior officials haven’t decided on an opening date yet, as they are negotiating it with the Special Inspectorate “Tiger” and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Once opened, the rehab centre will take in all animals in need of human aid. Currently, all sick tigers and orphaned tiger cubs in the Maritime Territory are kept at a temporary facility run by the Far Eastern branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences or at the Utyos centre in Khabarovsk.