Liger Zoos

There are as many as 40 official liger zoos in the world right now (year 2014). This figure for numbers of ligers’ zoos from around the world is based upon the presence of online information resources. Therefore; this number of 40 liger zoos can further increase, with an honest assumption that some liger zoos might not have shared online information sources in different parts of the world. Furthermore; this number still suggests that there are at least more than 40 ligers living on earth today as of 2014/2015. USA tops the list with the numbers of liger zoos as it has at least 21 liger zoos and liger related public places which are classified as the liger zoos.

Apart from the official liger zoos there are also hundreds of privately owned places in the world, where ligers and other big cats are kept as pets. Majority of these privately owned places for ligers and other big cats are located within USA. Since these are not public places, therefore; we did not include these privately owned places within our study for calculating and locating liger zoos in the world. It further suggests that there will be many more ligers currently living in the world especially within USA. Since these privately owned liger spots are much harder to track, therefore; further specific information about these privately owned liger spots currently seems impossible to be tracked. So at the moment, we are sticking with the official liger zoos from around the world.

As mentioned earlier USA tops the list for the maximum numbers of liger zoos in the world, with at least 21 liger zoos open for the public. In this race for the leadership of the liger zoos China is the second biggest place in the world. In the past 10 to 15 years, the numbers of liger zoos and liger births within China have increased at a very high place than any other country in the world. Currently there are at least 6 liger zoos in China and we currently believe that there might be more numbers of Liger Zoos in China, as some Chinese zoos do not have much online information about ligers despite the fact that they do have ligers.

Apart from USA and China other countries which have liger zoos include countries from Europe, Asia and even Africa as well. Sadly no information was available about any liger zoo presence within South American country. Other countries which have liger zoos include Russia, Germany, South Korea, Philippines, South Africa, Indonesia, Taiwan and even Libya as well. Apart from South Africa, all the other countries have only 1 liger zoos at this time. South Africa currently has at least 2 liger zoos for the visitors to visit and enjoy these magnificent creatures. Russia does have some circuses and other privately owned places where you can watch ligers, and the same is true about Germany and South Korea as well.

Taiwan is the only country in the world which has officially imposed a restriction on all of its zoos for liger breeding programs. If you will crossbreed a lion a tiger in China, you can get into a big trouble and the penalty range from imprisonment to a hefty amount of fine as well. Certain states within USA has also imposed a ban on cross-breeding of lion and tiger, while many states within United States allow their zoos to cross breed a lion and tiger. Their message is clear that lions and tigers are endangered animals and therefore; breeding a liger further endangers these animals. Many people disagree with it and many people find it illogical, but many people think this is the only way forward to protect lions and tigers. We personally believe that lions and tigers in captivity have nothing to do with the endangerment of the lions and tigers.

Lets move on to most famous liger zoos from around the world. Truly Myrtle Beach Safari in South Carolina, USA is the most famous liger zoo. This Liger Zoo has bred more ligers than any other ligers in the world. World’s biggest and world’s most famous liger Hercules the liger is also part of Myrtle Beach Safari. This Liger Zoo has also bred white ligers for the first time ever which was a tremendous achievement for them. World’s most famous liger Hercules the liger was also born at this liger zoo as well. Apart from Myrtle Beach Safari another famous Liger Zoo is Jungle Island which is located at Miami, Florida, USA. Novosibirsk Zoo Russia is also a very famous liger zoo where world’s first Li-Ligers were born as well.

Historically Bloemfontein Zoo in South Africa was one of the pioneers in breeding ligers. They have bred ligers throughout 20th century and they also holds a very enrich history for the ligers. Liger was part of Bloemfontein Zoo throughout 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Hogle Zoo in United States also had a lot of ligers during the 20th century. World’s famous female liger (Shasta the liger) which also holds the record for maximum age for the liger (24 years) was also part of the Hogle Zoo. Myrtle Beach Safari also has a great history with ligers as Samson the liger and Sudan the liger were also part of this liger zoo.

Liger Zoos throughout the world offer a greater assistance for animal conservation. It has been found that people feel really excited when they learn about ligers, and they are always tempted to visit the zoo and even pay donations as well for these magnificent animals & other big cats. Moreover; the popularity of the ligers also prompts individuals to learn about conservation of the lions and tigers. Therefore; one way or another ligers do seem to be a beneficial breeding program for the big cats. They may not only generate funds for themselves at the zoo but also for the other animals at the zoo.

Apart from that the presence of the ligers have further boost the research among the big cats. Hybrids which were researched and learned very little before are now the central part of the research and observation for many animal researchers. A lot of knowledge has been generated over the past few decades about the hybrids especially about the ligers and the liger zoos from around the world have contributed a central role in this regard. Many findings of the researchers have also clarified certain myths about hybrids and ligers. Therefore; all the credit goes to these liger zoos for breeding ligers and opening a new chapter of learning about the big cats.

Liger Zoos are gaining a huge amount of popularity around the world. Almost each and every liger zoo in the world has international visitors now which are a clear indicator for the popularity of the ligers around the world. China is a recent example in this regard, where from last decade or so about 8 to 10 liger zoos have been established for the visitors. Li-Ligers birth in Novosibirsk Zoo in Russia is another example, when all the news media, print media and even social media highlighted these magnificent creatures. More and more Zoos in the world are interested in breeding ligers which is another indicator for popularity of the ligers.

Liger Zoos are also facing a lot of criticism as well. A huge amount of negative propaganda has been created against the liger zoos from around the world. Initially the central point of this criticism was that the ligers were unhealthy and they have a lot of defects in their bodies. When the researchers proved that criticism wrong, the focus has now shifted that the ligers and big cats live in cruelty while in captivity and they should be banned. Highlighting a disabled liger and hiding the actual facts have always been the part of this criticism. Many Liger Zoos have played a significant role to actually prove wrong all of this negative propaganda and criticism against ligers.