Two Amur tigers, Saikhan and Lazovka, have been brought to a temporary open-air cage built for them in the Jewish Autonomous Region taiga. The 50m x 50m enclosure will help them adapt to the wild before their release, which will take place in a week. Experts are using this “soft” method for the first time.

On 12 May, the predators were immobilised and transported from the Centre for the Rehabilitation and Reintroduction of Tigers and Other Rare Animals (Tiger Centre) in the Primorye Territory where they lived for over a year. They were brought to the Jewish Autonomous Region by cars in special cages. Before releasing the tigers into the enclosure, experts fitted them with GPS collars provided by the Amur Tiger Centre to monitor the tigers after their release.

Experts say that the couple is ready for life in the wild. During rehabilitation, the tigers acquired hunting skills and learned to stay away from humans. They now have all the necessary skills to live independently in the wild.