Zoos in Japan: Senichi and Ayako, an Osaka Love/Hate Story

Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) are designated in the IUCN Red List as an “Endangered” species. A 2010 assessment estimated the population in the wild to be only 360 individuals. For this reason, Amur tiger cubs born in zoos are considered valuable for species conservation efforts.

The Osaka Municipal Tennoji Zoo has two Amur tigers. Ayako, the female, was born on June 7, 1997 at Tennoji. Senichi, the male, was born on May 23, 2003 at the Tokyo Tama Zoological Park. When Senichi was first brought to Tennoji, there were great hopes that he would eventually mate with Ayako and produce many cubs. Eleven years later, there are still no cubs between the two. Apparently, just as in human marriages, compatibility and differences in personality are important.

Ayako (November 4, 2013 photo)

Senichi (October 24, 2012 photo)

In this marriage, Ayako is definitely the boss. And she seems to have little interest in getting intimate with Senichi. When Senichi tries to approach her, more often than not, she responds with a growl or a paw to Senichi’s face.

The video below shows a typical day in the Tennoji zoo tiger exhibit. Although it was recorded two years ago, I don’t think the situation has changed much.