During the last weekend of September, the 19^th annual Tiger Day was held in Vladivostok. This celebration is aimed at raising public awareness on the problem of Amur tiger conservation. This year, the event was organised by the Amur Tiger Centre and the Primorye Territory and Vladivostok administrations.

President Vladimir Putin sent his message of greetings to the participants in the Tiger Day celebrations.

“Your traditional forum in the capital city of the Primorye Territory brings together people of all ages, occupations and hobbies – all those who by the call of duty or by the call of their hearts contribute to the big and very important task of preserving our rich natural heritage, including the Amur tiger population, which just a short while ago was on the brink of extinction,” the message reads. The President also noted the significant progress that has been made lately, and commended the work of the Amur Tiger Centre.

Within the framework of Tiger Day, the organisers presented the Amur Tiger Centre awards for promoting the conservation of Russia’s Far East nature. Several state environmental institutions and responsible hunting providers received technical equipment and facilities. On Russky Island, a ceremony for laying the foundation stone of the Far Eastern Nature Park and the Amur Tiger Museum was held.

At Vladivostok’s central square, organisers set up special venues where visitors could learn more about the Amur tiger and the activities of environmental organisations aimed at preserving this species. Children were able to participate in contests, workshops and quest games. At the Land of the Leopard venue, visitors were greeted by volunteers dressed up as tigers, leopards and other animals.

On Sunday, the most entertaining part of Tiger Day, a large-scale carnival parade, took place. Its participants represented over 100 organisations and included students from Primorye Territory schools and universities and representatives from government agencies and large companies. According to preliminary data, a total of over 20,000 people took part in the event.

In the evening, the celebration concluded with a concert featuring Chaif and Neschastny Sluchai musical bands.