Temple of the Tiger: Year of the Tiger

For two million years, the tiger has flourished in its natural environment. Ranging from an elusive hunter to a religious icon, the tiger has been deemed one of the earth's most legendary animals. With more than 33,000 square-feet the custom-designed educational exhibit, Temple of the Tiger is home to these amazing beasts, as well as a dazzling tiger show.

Check out the videos above.  Watch these incredible animals in action, then see them having fun and romping in the snow!

MEET OUR TIGERS...

GOLDEN TABBY TIGERS

Tabbies are very rare; none exist in the wild.  It is estimated that there are no more than 30 of these individuals in the world today and we are extremely fortunate to have two, Kingda Ka and Raina, here at Six Flags Great Adventure.

Kingda Ka

Male
502 lbs.
Kingda Ka is the icon of Temple of the Tiger.  Although not as large as other males, he is our most aggressive cub.  He enjoys the trainers' affection more than any other cub and will typically run gingerly up to them with his ears flopping in the wind.  Kingda Ka is not only the most affectionat male and an incredible addition to the family, he has also   been an invaluable part of the shows.  Ka loves to swim and will dazzle you as he dives down under the water line, across or to the bottom of the pool for the things he wants.

Raina

Female
317 lbs.
No other name would fit this tiger's personality - "Raina," the reigning Queen of the Golden Kingdom.  Raina's leaping ability is superb and  shows that she may be small, but she is fierce!  She has beautiful marmalade markings on her bright white fur and a tail that stays up like  a queen's head.  

BENGAL TIGERS

Balin

Male
465 lbs.
Balin was born on May 2, 2001.  He was raised at Six Flags Marine World in Vallejo, California and arrived with Faruk to Six Flags Great Adventure in 2004.  Balin lacks motivation at times, but with the right encouragement he can execute near perfect behaviors.  We also call him "Big-B, BB or Mr. Biddles".  He is always the last one in, and the last one out.  He likes to live by his own schedule!  You can usually find him sleeping in the exercise yard in the middle of the summer.  Balin's regal appearance has made him our most photgenic cat.  This is also due to his confident and well-rested spirit.

Chandaka

Female
363 lbs.
Chandi was born on May 2, 2001 at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California.  She arrived at Six Flags Great Adventure in 2004.  Chandi is our most sociable tiger and will greet you with a smile.  She likes to play rough and enjoys knocking her trainers down.  Chandaka often leaps in excess of 10 feet for various toys.  Like with all the tigers, Chandi does not trust strangers and may take a lengthy period of time before warming up to new trainers.

Hara

Female
321 lbs.
Hara was born on May 2, 2001 at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California.  She moved to Six Flags Great Adventure on April 31, 2004.  Since females are generally more active than males, Hara keeps herself busy and is always the first on the prowl.  She has matured quickest and was the first cat to start marking her territory.  Although Hara is the smallest adult tiger at Temple of the Tiger, she does not back down to anyone and will usually get the upper hand (or claw).  "What Hara lacks in size she definitely makes up for in attitude."

Kiril

Male
552 lbs.
Kiril, not even three years old, is currently our largest tiger.  This allows him to be a bully to the other cats.  He has gigantic paws and his weight increases an average of 5 to 7 pounds per week.  Kiril will be more than 600 pounds when fully grown at 4 years.  He is very comfortable in water and has already begun diving for objects.  Kiril often likes to frolic in the pool even in freezing temperatures.

Bengal Tiger : Panthera tigris tigris

Adult Size Male	375 - 480lbs. ; 8 1/2 - 9 1/2 feet
Adult Size Female	250 - 325lbs. ; 7 - 8 feet
Size at Birth	2 1/2 - 3 1/2lbs ; 6-9 inches
Gestation	98 - 110 days ; mean 105 days
Season of Birth	Seasonally in temperate climates, throughout the year in more tropical areas.
Distribution	Most Bengal tigers live in India, although some range through Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar.
Habitat	High-altitude, cold, coniferous Himalayan forests, the streaming mangroves of the Sunderbans, the swampy reedlands, the scorched hills of the Indian peninsula, the lush wet forests of Northern India and the arid forests of Rajasthan.
Diet	Primarily wild deer and wild cattle.
Daily Food Intake	2 1/2% to 3% of its body weight.
Sprinting Speed	35-40 mph for short distances.
Swimming Speed	A few miles per hour.
Submersion Time	30-40 seconds
Submersion Depth	3-5 feet.
Longevity	10-14 years ; mean 12. In zoological institutions: 16-20 years ; mean 18.