Following the arrival of stunning new Malayan tiger, Bulan, interest in big cats has increased at Hamerton Zoo Park.
Fortunately, the popular animal centre near Peterborough is blessed with a number of these striking apex felines, all of whom are majestically beautiful in their own way. Along with new arrival Bulan, Hamerton is home to another Malayan tiger, a 12-year-old female called Sahaja. Bulan and Sahaja are already getting along so well that keepers at the park are hopeful their burgeoning friendship may one day see Hamerton welcome a baby Malayan tiger to the fold.
Elsewhere there is Mohan, a handsome white Bengal tiger who keepers say loves being around people. Evidently, the attention-seeking 13-year-old became somewhat withdrawn during Covid so he is very pleased indeed to see crowds returning to his patch.
Across the park there is Lela, a lively young black leopard with darting eyes and a turn of pace that would leave an F1 car for dust. The frisky two-year-old enjoys nothing more than playing peek-a-boo with keepers, who clearly love keeping her on her toes!
Lela’s near-neighbours are super-chilled twin cheetahs, Freddie and Albie, who both turn two in September. Though they are blessed with pace that would see even Leila chasing shadows, the languid brothers love to kick back and relax in the sunshine, their super-loud purring a sign that they are happy soaking up attention as well as rays. With Hamerton being an easy half-hour drive from Peterborough city centre, seeing these incredible creatures – as well as many other animals – up close is a breeze.
And to whet your appetite, we’ve put together a big cat gallery of some of the park’s leading characters to give you a taste of what to expect.
9. Helen Black / Hamerton
Sahaja has already started to form a close bond with Bulan. Photo: Hamerton big cats Helen Black / Hamerton
11. Hamerton big cats
Twin cheetahs Freddie and Alby are nearly two-years' old. Photo: Ellie Calpin / Darren Calpin