The Philadelphia Zoo is proud to announce the release of a new children’s nonfiction book that narrates the remarkable journey of an Amur tiger cub named Zoya, who was given a second chance at life due to the dedicated efforts of the Philadelphia Zoo, Oklahoma City Zoo, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Titled ‘A Family For Zoya: The True Story of an Endangered Cub,’ the book recounts the true story of Zoya, the sole surviving cub from her litter, who was unfortunately rejected by her mother at just a few days old.
With the tireless care provided by the animal care and veterinary teams at the Philadelphia Zoo, Zoya’s survival journey began. The book captures the emotional and inspirational events that followed, including a historic 12-hour drive across the country to the Oklahoma City Zoo, where Zoya would try to be adopted into a Sumatran tiger family.
This unprecedented endeavor aimed at raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and introduces young readers to themes of courage and connection.
To celebrate the book’s release, the Philadelphia Zoo will host a special meet and greet, along with a book signing and a tiger feeding event featuring the author, Debra Kim Wolf, on August 27th at 11 a.m. The event is open to the public and included in the price of zoo admission.
The book can be purchased at the Philadelphia Zoo’s Main Gift Shop in North Gate Plaza daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and at the Trading Post next to Big Cat Falls from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fans can also find the book available for order on the zoo’s website.
Debra Kim Wolf has pledged to donate 100 percent of her profits from the book to the Tiger Conservation Campaign, underscoring the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures.
Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman, President & CEO of the Philadelphia Zoo, expressed that Zoya’s story exemplifies the essential work done by AZA accredited zoos and hopes it will inspire young conservationists to protect the environment.
As part of the Philadelphia Zoo team that played a crucial role in Zoya’s care and eventual move, Senior Veterinary Technician Jenna Heinze shared her heartfelt sentiments about the experience. “Zoya holds a special place in my heart, and her success story is living proof that humans can work together to save and protect animals,” she said.
Wolf also reflected on how Zoya’s compelling narrative illustrates the lengths people go to preserve the world’s wildlife. “Zoya’s journey reminds us that small acts of kindness, for animals or people, can make a big difference,” she noted.
The book is designed for children aged 4 to 9, spanning 40 pages that not only narrate Zoya’s journey but also include fascinating facts about Amur tigers and insights into the care of these endangered species.
Zoya was born on July 10, 2017, to her mother Koosaka and father Grom. When it became apparent that Koosaka could not provide the necessary care for the young cubs, the dedicated team at the Philadelphia Zoo stepped in immediately, offering around-the-clock assistance.
Working closely with the AZA, the team devised a plan to give Zoya the best opportunity for a family, targeting a Sumatran tiger named Lola, who had recently welcomed three male cubs.
After arriving at the Oklahoma City Zoo, Zoya was introduced to her potential new family. The staff applied her foster siblings’ scents all over her to facilitate acceptance. After several anxious hours, Lola accepted Zoya as one of her own, allowing the cub to nurse alongside her biological siblings, ensuring she would thrive.
In 2019, Zoya moved to Roosevelt Park Zoo in Minot, North Dakota, as part of an AZA Species Survival Plan breeding match, where she later gave birth to her first litter of cubs in 2022, including two males and one female.
‘”A Family For Zoya: The True Story of an Endangered Tiger Cub’ is not just a tale of survival but a story that calls to action; it educates children on the crucial role they can play in wildlife conservation,” stated Jenna Heinze, as she reflected on the impact of Zoya’s life on future generations.
image source from：patch
