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Java

Java and his intended mate, Jaya, are still not warming up to each other. They're not giving up though. The last step will be artificial insemination. But first, when she's ready to mate, they're going to knock him out cold, give him his yearly physical and cut about 80 - 90% of his nails down. Then try again. That way, if he tries to swipe at her, he won't be able to hurt her as bad with those claws and she'll still have her claws to defend herself. He's over 100 lbs. bigger then her (she's 200 lbs., he's 300 lbs.)

 

Last month, at the Topeka zoo, a male Sumatran tiger killed his mate. Such a sad thing. This is no easy task for the breeding programs.

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Uploaded on June 24, 2007
Taken on June 23, 2007