Description
The tale of how Rajiv came to live at the Isle of Wight Zoo was told in the second series of ITV's "Tiger Island". He was saved from a small rescue centre in Florida having previously been employed in a UK circus and the US entertainment industry as a "celebrity" animal. Typically, this adaptable tiger took the long flight across the Atlantic in his stride and wasn't a moment's bother on the journey. A fresh start in life brought a change of name (from "Rambo"), and a zoo visitor came up with his new title via a re-naming competition. "Rajiv" means "striped one" in Sanskrit and is a particularly apposite label considering this tiger's striking facial marks and classic arrow-shaped spine stripes.
Because Rajiv was hand-raised he needs human companionship, and his bright nature allows him to recognise different individual members of the zoo team and greet us accordingly, mostly with a friendly "chuff". He prefers his female carers, possibly as a legacy from experience of male keepers or trainers in his former life.
Rajiv currently shares night quarters with new friends Diamond and Aysha and the cats are able to alternate between the Pench and Ranthambhore enclosures. Rajiv now enjoys the large pool in Ranthambhore (as well as an occasional cooling hose-down), but his introduction to the water was rather shocking as he accidentally fell into the deep side! He can be a cheeky boy at times, and will pull up plants to get attention if he thinks not enough notice is being paid to him; he can also be slow to rise in the mornings, especially after a large meal the night before.
Everyone at the zoo is delighted that this lovely, special tiger has found a safe fulfilling home, and a much-deserved second chance in life.
Price: From £5.00 per year