After three weeks of being identified by the distinctive markings on their tails, our newborn Sumatran tiger cubs finally have names. Chosen from entries to competitions run with the TODAY show and The Sunday Mail, along with an internal competition for Dreamworld staff, the cubs have been named ‘Shanti’, ‘Jaya’ and ‘Ndari’.
Congratulations go to Poehere Boosie from Dreamworld’s Food & Beverage department whose striking suggestion of ‘Jaya’ was picked for one of our little girls last week. Indonesian for ‘victory’ Jaya was chosen by Poehere for its significance to the survival of the species.
Said Poehere, “I think Jaya is a really special name as each cub born at Dreamworld is a victory for the survival of the Sumatran tiger population. I wanted to find something really special and the name is a reflection of what we are trying to achieve with our tiger breeding. Jaya just touched me, I thought it was beautiful.”
Short, simple and easy to call were pre-requisites for making the short list, ‘Ndari’ and ‘Shanti’ topping the bill when Tiger Island voted for their favourites from 4500 public suggestions.
Indonesian for ‘full moon’, ‘Ndari’ was chosen from the national entries submitted to the TODAY show and reflects her big, moon shaped eyes. The name ‘Shanti’, meaning inner peace in an ancient Indian language, was chosen from entries to The Sunday Mail in both Sydney and Brisbane. True to her name, Shanti is the mellower of the tiny tots with sisters Jaya and Ndari the feistier of the bunch.
Head down to the Tiger Island nursery to watch our newest superstars Jaya, Ndari, and Shanti wrestle, play, and grow up before our eyes.
Showing posts with label Tiger Island. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tiger Island. Show all posts
Sunday, 6 July 2008
Thursday, 26 June 2008
It’s a girrl - Feisty boy turns out to be fiery girl
In the wee hours of Monday June 9, three tiny cubs were born at Dreamworld’s Tiger Island; two little girls and their feisty baby brother. But during routine health checks last week, Dreamworld veterinarian Vere Nicholson and Tiger Island Manager Patrick Martin-Vegue stumbled across something very interesting; our feisty little guy is actually a fiery little girl.
“At the time, our main focus was to check the health of the cubs and get them back to Soraya as quickly as possible. Determining the sex was a bonus,” said Vere, before adding that, “It’s a bit difficult to differentiate the sex of tiger cubs when they are small as there is literally a millimetre of difference.”
“The three girls have helped redress an imbalance towards males in the Australasian region. From a genetic management perspective it’s good to have an equal breakdown for regional planning of the captive breeding population.”
Said Martin-Vegue, “At least now that we know there are three confirmed girls, we can have our Dreamworld team give one an appropriate female style name.”
Sharing a birthday with their mother Soraya, the as yet unnamed cubs were born after a gestation period of between 100 to 110 days, the Tiger Island team monitoring mum around the clock through closed circuit television.
It won’t be long before the whole of Australia will go ga-ga over the all girl group as they leave the den and make their public debut on June 26, 2008 at the purpose-built glass fronted Tiger Island nursery.
Four weeks after that the trio are set to cause mischief as they come out from behind the glass to directly interact with the public. From July 24, 20 guests will be able to experience a rare encounter with two Sumatran sisters at Cub Experience sessions. Held in an exclusive area behind Tiger Island, guests of all ages will be able to pat and have their photo taken with the cubs.
Tiger Island Manager Patrick Martin-Vegue said, “During Cub Experiences Dreamworld guests will have one-on-one time with the cubs and learn more about the tigers from our handlers. They will be able to see the cubs play and wrestle and start to develop their own personalities.”
But eager guests don’t have to wait until July for a Cub Experience. Already breaking hearts in Tiger Island’s Cub Display, is Sali, the sole survivor of a litter of four cubs from Perth Zoo. Sali was flown to Dreamworld on Saturday, May 17, 2008 with the aim to be integrated with the new trio once they are vaccinated.
Starting this week, ten guests of all ages have been joining Sali on her own 20 minute Cub Experience sessions.
Cub Experiences cost $80 per person and are not included in the entry price.
“At the time, our main focus was to check the health of the cubs and get them back to Soraya as quickly as possible. Determining the sex was a bonus,” said Vere, before adding that, “It’s a bit difficult to differentiate the sex of tiger cubs when they are small as there is literally a millimetre of difference.”
“The three girls have helped redress an imbalance towards males in the Australasian region. From a genetic management perspective it’s good to have an equal breakdown for regional planning of the captive breeding population.”
Said Martin-Vegue, “At least now that we know there are three confirmed girls, we can have our Dreamworld team give one an appropriate female style name.”
Sharing a birthday with their mother Soraya, the as yet unnamed cubs were born after a gestation period of between 100 to 110 days, the Tiger Island team monitoring mum around the clock through closed circuit television.
It won’t be long before the whole of Australia will go ga-ga over the all girl group as they leave the den and make their public debut on June 26, 2008 at the purpose-built glass fronted Tiger Island nursery.
Four weeks after that the trio are set to cause mischief as they come out from behind the glass to directly interact with the public. From July 24, 20 guests will be able to experience a rare encounter with two Sumatran sisters at Cub Experience sessions. Held in an exclusive area behind Tiger Island, guests of all ages will be able to pat and have their photo taken with the cubs.
Tiger Island Manager Patrick Martin-Vegue said, “During Cub Experiences Dreamworld guests will have one-on-one time with the cubs and learn more about the tigers from our handlers. They will be able to see the cubs play and wrestle and start to develop their own personalities.”
But eager guests don’t have to wait until July for a Cub Experience. Already breaking hearts in Tiger Island’s Cub Display, is Sali, the sole survivor of a litter of four cubs from Perth Zoo. Sali was flown to Dreamworld on Saturday, May 17, 2008 with the aim to be integrated with the new trio once they are vaccinated.
Starting this week, ten guests of all ages have been joining Sali on her own 20 minute Cub Experience sessions.
Cub Experiences cost $80 per person and are not included in the entry price.
Thursday, 19 June 2008
Close Encounters of the Cub Kind
It won’t be long before the whole of Australia will be going ga-ga over Dreamworld’s tiger triplets when they leave the den and make their debut on June 26, 2008 at the purpose-built glass fronted Tiger Island nursery. Four weeks after that the trio are set to cause mischief as they come out from behind the glass to directly interact with the public.
From July 24, 20 guests will be able to experience a rare encounter with the Sumatran sisters at the limited Cub Experience sessions. Held in an exclusive area behind Tiger Island, guests of all ages will be able to pat and have their photo taken with the cubs.
Tiger Island Manager Patrick Martin-Vegue said, “During Cub Experience’s Dreamworld guests will have one-on-one time with the cubs and their handlers to ask questions and learn more about the tigers. They will be able to see them play and wrestle and start to develop their own personalities.”
But eager guests don’t have to wait until July for a “Cub Experience”. Already breaking hearts in Tiger Island’s Cub Display, is Sali, the sole survivor of a litter of four cubs from Perth Zoo. Sali was flown to Dreamworld on Saturday, May 17, 2008 with the aim to be integrated with the new triplets once they are vaccinated.
Starting June 21, ten guests of all ages will be able to join Sali on her own 20 minute “Cub Experience” session.
Cub Experiences cost $80 per person and are not included in the entry price. Tickets to the Cub Experience can only be booked on www.dreamworld.com.au. Terms and conditions apply.
Dreamworld’s bouncing baby girls… The as yet unnamed cubs were born on Monday, June 9 following a gestation period of between 100 to 110 days with the Tiger Island team monitoring mum around the clock through closed circuit television.
The triplets are three of a very limited number of Sumatran tiger cubs born in the Australasian region in last 10 years and are part of a globally co-ordinated breeding programme to save the species. With less than 400 Sumatran tigers left in the wild, their importance can not be underestimated.
The cubs will remain under the watchful eyes of Dreamworld’s on-site vet, Vere Nicolson, Tiger Island Manager, Patrick Martin-Vegue and the Tiger Island team which collectively has more than 40 years experience caring for and working with tigers.
“Fortunately, captive bred cubs have a 90 percent chance of survival because of their stable environment. For cubs born in the wild, the survival rate is just 25 to 50 percent due to poor nutrition, rejection by mothers and predators,” Mr Martin-Vegue said.
The cubs’ parents, Raja and Soraya have the purest blood lines in the Australasian region and will make a significant contribution to the conservation of Sumatran Tigers.
“Our aim is to ensure the appropriate genetic management of the remaining captive population of the species and raise conservation funds to support initiatives such as educating residents in areas where tigers are found in their natural habitat. This will hopefully provide a safety valve that will prevent the extinction of the species,” Mr Martin-Vegue said.
Dreamworld’s Tiger Island plays a leading role in tiger conservation world-wide through donations and hands-on involvement with field projects actively saving tigers in the wild.
With the goal of hitting the million dollar mark in July, Dreamworld’s Tiger Fund actively contributes to anti-poaching activity including anti-poaching patrols on the ground in Indonesia, India and Russia.
From July 24, 20 guests will be able to experience a rare encounter with the Sumatran sisters at the limited Cub Experience sessions. Held in an exclusive area behind Tiger Island, guests of all ages will be able to pat and have their photo taken with the cubs.
Tiger Island Manager Patrick Martin-Vegue said, “During Cub Experience’s Dreamworld guests will have one-on-one time with the cubs and their handlers to ask questions and learn more about the tigers. They will be able to see them play and wrestle and start to develop their own personalities.”
But eager guests don’t have to wait until July for a “Cub Experience”. Already breaking hearts in Tiger Island’s Cub Display, is Sali, the sole survivor of a litter of four cubs from Perth Zoo. Sali was flown to Dreamworld on Saturday, May 17, 2008 with the aim to be integrated with the new triplets once they are vaccinated.
Starting June 21, ten guests of all ages will be able to join Sali on her own 20 minute “Cub Experience” session.
Cub Experiences cost $80 per person and are not included in the entry price. Tickets to the Cub Experience can only be booked on www.dreamworld.com.au. Terms and conditions apply.
Dreamworld’s bouncing baby girls… The as yet unnamed cubs were born on Monday, June 9 following a gestation period of between 100 to 110 days with the Tiger Island team monitoring mum around the clock through closed circuit television.
The triplets are three of a very limited number of Sumatran tiger cubs born in the Australasian region in last 10 years and are part of a globally co-ordinated breeding programme to save the species. With less than 400 Sumatran tigers left in the wild, their importance can not be underestimated.
The cubs will remain under the watchful eyes of Dreamworld’s on-site vet, Vere Nicolson, Tiger Island Manager, Patrick Martin-Vegue and the Tiger Island team which collectively has more than 40 years experience caring for and working with tigers.
“Fortunately, captive bred cubs have a 90 percent chance of survival because of their stable environment. For cubs born in the wild, the survival rate is just 25 to 50 percent due to poor nutrition, rejection by mothers and predators,” Mr Martin-Vegue said.
The cubs’ parents, Raja and Soraya have the purest blood lines in the Australasian region and will make a significant contribution to the conservation of Sumatran Tigers.
“Our aim is to ensure the appropriate genetic management of the remaining captive population of the species and raise conservation funds to support initiatives such as educating residents in areas where tigers are found in their natural habitat. This will hopefully provide a safety valve that will prevent the extinction of the species,” Mr Martin-Vegue said.
Dreamworld’s Tiger Island plays a leading role in tiger conservation world-wide through donations and hands-on involvement with field projects actively saving tigers in the wild.
With the goal of hitting the million dollar mark in July, Dreamworld’s Tiger Fund actively contributes to anti-poaching activity including anti-poaching patrols on the ground in Indonesia, India and Russia.
Thursday, 12 June 2008
Dreamworld’s Sumatran tiger cub triplets get comfy at Tiger Island
It’s day three into the lives of Dreamworld’s as yet unnamed Sumatran tiger cubs and the trio are settling into their new surroundings with ease.
Sharing a birthday with their mother, Sumatran tiger Soraya, the two sisters and their brother were born the morning of June 9 weighing a healthy 1.3kg, 1.28kg and 1.13kg.
Tigers are known for the speed at which they grow and the tiny trio are no exception already gaining an average of 113 grams thanks to Soraya’s natural mothering instincts. At this rate it will be only a fortnight before they make their public debut at Dreamworld’s Tiger Island nursery.
Said Dreamworld Life Sciences General Manager Al Mucci, “We are so lucky that Soraya is such a great Mum. She’s given us two beautiful tigers in Indah and Rahni and now, second time around, she’s blessed us with three more.”
Tiger Island Manager Patrick Martin-Vegue was present for the birth and is as proud as any Dad could be.
“Both Soraya and the cubs are doing really well. Like most newborns they spend most of their day tucked tight into Mum, sleeping and eating.
“The first two came early morning Monday but the third took its time and was born just before 11am. They had their first vet check yesterday and have all been given a clean bill of health.”
Senior Tiger Handler Dan Hodges was the “night watchman” when Soraya began to show signs of labour.
“Soraya entered her den box at around 4.30am and started showing nesting behaviours like excessive grooming. The real contractions began around 6.30am, an hour before the first cub was born.”
All nine Tiger Island staff rushed to Dreamworld in time for the birth.
“It was an amazing experience; about nine handlers crowded into our staff room watching the birth on monitors and letting out cheers as each cub came out.”
Heralding the new litter was Sumatran tiger cub Sali (pronounced “sarli”) who arrived at Dreamworld on Saturday, May 17 after being rejected by her inexperienced first time mother at another zoo. Now almost nine weeks old, Sali will hopefully be integrated with the new litter in the next few weeks.
News of the tiger trio’s arrival has spread as far as China and the USA. It won’t be long before the whole of Australia will be going ga-ga over the cute cubs when they leave the den and make their debut at the glass fronted Tiger Island nursery.
“Sali is already breaking hearts and, pending their health, the new cubs will relocate to Tiger Island’s nursery in time for the Queensland school holidays.
“By the end of July we’ll start offering cub experiences and guests of all ages will be able to play with, pat and have their photos taken with the cubs. Cub experiences are a great chance for the cubs to get out and start interacting with people and to raise much needed funds for conservation projects working tirelessly to save tigers in the wild.”
Sharing a birthday with their mother, Sumatran tiger Soraya, the two sisters and their brother were born the morning of June 9 weighing a healthy 1.3kg, 1.28kg and 1.13kg.
Tigers are known for the speed at which they grow and the tiny trio are no exception already gaining an average of 113 grams thanks to Soraya’s natural mothering instincts. At this rate it will be only a fortnight before they make their public debut at Dreamworld’s Tiger Island nursery.
Said Dreamworld Life Sciences General Manager Al Mucci, “We are so lucky that Soraya is such a great Mum. She’s given us two beautiful tigers in Indah and Rahni and now, second time around, she’s blessed us with three more.”
Tiger Island Manager Patrick Martin-Vegue was present for the birth and is as proud as any Dad could be.
“Both Soraya and the cubs are doing really well. Like most newborns they spend most of their day tucked tight into Mum, sleeping and eating.
“The first two came early morning Monday but the third took its time and was born just before 11am. They had their first vet check yesterday and have all been given a clean bill of health.”
Senior Tiger Handler Dan Hodges was the “night watchman” when Soraya began to show signs of labour.
“Soraya entered her den box at around 4.30am and started showing nesting behaviours like excessive grooming. The real contractions began around 6.30am, an hour before the first cub was born.”
All nine Tiger Island staff rushed to Dreamworld in time for the birth.
“It was an amazing experience; about nine handlers crowded into our staff room watching the birth on monitors and letting out cheers as each cub came out.”
Heralding the new litter was Sumatran tiger cub Sali (pronounced “sarli”) who arrived at Dreamworld on Saturday, May 17 after being rejected by her inexperienced first time mother at another zoo. Now almost nine weeks old, Sali will hopefully be integrated with the new litter in the next few weeks.
News of the tiger trio’s arrival has spread as far as China and the USA. It won’t be long before the whole of Australia will be going ga-ga over the cute cubs when they leave the den and make their debut at the glass fronted Tiger Island nursery.
“Sali is already breaking hearts and, pending their health, the new cubs will relocate to Tiger Island’s nursery in time for the Queensland school holidays.
“By the end of July we’ll start offering cub experiences and guests of all ages will be able to play with, pat and have their photos taken with the cubs. Cub experiences are a great chance for the cubs to get out and start interacting with people and to raise much needed funds for conservation projects working tirelessly to save tigers in the wild.”
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
Dreamworld’s Sumatran tiger Mum Soraya gives birth to a litter of three on her sixth birthday
On the morning of her sixth birthday Dreamworld’s Sumatran tiger Soraya, mother of tiger twins Indah and Rahni, has received the best birthday present any mother could hope for having given birth to a litter of three healthy tiger cubs.
The birthday bundle consists of two girl cubs and a boy, the first weighing in at a healthy 1.3kg, the second 1.28kg and the third 1.13kg.
Tiger Island Manager Patrick Martin-Vegue was present for the birth and says Soraya is doing a great job nursing the cubs so far.
“The first two came early this morning but the third took its time and was born just before 11am. Both Soraya and her litter are doing great so far.”
Life Sciences General Manager All Mucci is equally proud of Soraya’s new litter.
“We are so lucky that Soraya is such a great Mum, she’s given us two beautiful tigers in Indah and Rahni and now, second time around, she’s blessed us with three more.”
Heralding the hopes of the new litter was tiny six week old Sumatran tiger cub Sali (pronounced “sarli”) who arrived at Dreamworld approximately three weeks ago on Saturday, May 17.
The now eight week old Sali will hopefully be integrated with Soraya’s new litter in coming weeks as the new cubs grow old enough to meet and play with their adopted sister.
The birthday bundle consists of two girl cubs and a boy, the first weighing in at a healthy 1.3kg, the second 1.28kg and the third 1.13kg.
Tiger Island Manager Patrick Martin-Vegue was present for the birth and says Soraya is doing a great job nursing the cubs so far.
“The first two came early this morning but the third took its time and was born just before 11am. Both Soraya and her litter are doing great so far.”
Life Sciences General Manager All Mucci is equally proud of Soraya’s new litter.
“We are so lucky that Soraya is such a great Mum, she’s given us two beautiful tigers in Indah and Rahni and now, second time around, she’s blessed us with three more.”
Heralding the hopes of the new litter was tiny six week old Sumatran tiger cub Sali (pronounced “sarli”) who arrived at Dreamworld approximately three weeks ago on Saturday, May 17.
The now eight week old Sali will hopefully be integrated with Soraya’s new litter in coming weeks as the new cubs grow old enough to meet and play with their adopted sister.
Thursday, 29 May 2008
Dreamworld adopts a singleton Sumatran cub in anticipation of a new litter
May 29, 2008 … There may only be 400 of them left in the wild, but in the space of one month, Dreamworld hopes to double its population of Sumatran tigers thanks to the news that Soraya, the mother of one year old tiger twins, Indah and Rahni, appears to be pregnant.
Heralding the hopes of a new litter is a tiny six week old Sumatran tiger cub named Sali that was delivered to Dreamworld on Saturday, May 17.
Born on April 11 to a litter of four at the Perth Zoo, Sali, which means “steadfast” in Indonesian language, had an ill-fated start to life. Rejected by her mother after the death of her three siblings, she faced a future without social interaction. Sali was flown to Dreamworld’s Tiger Island to be hand reared by a team of trainers with a combined 60 years experience.
Dreamworld’s Tiger Island Manager, Patrick Martin-Vegue said, “It’s not unusual for tigers to mis-mother their offspring and while survival was not an issue for tiny Sali, the Australian Species Coordinator for Sumatran Tigers, Chris Hibbard, considered it best to relocate her to a more social environment with the goal of integrating with other cats.
“In the long term, this will improve Sali’s chances of breeding and hopefully bolster the insurance population for the critically endangered Sumatran tiger species.”
Dreamworld already has ten big cats, including Indah and Rahni, the two Sumatran cubs born on Tiger Island March, 2007 and now weighing around 75 kg. All except two of the tigers have been hand raised.
Martin-Vegue plans to integrate Sali with both the giant Bengals and the one year old Sumatrans sometime next week.
“If things go according to plan and Soraya has a successful pregnancy, Sali will also be assimilated with the new litter of cubs which we anticipate will be born in early June.”
He is unconcerned about 200 kilogram Bengal tigers meeting a 4.5kg cub.
“The different personalities on the island will actually improve Sali’s behavioural skills,” he said.
“This is the fourth time that Mohan has met a tiger cub and he’s likely to be the least phased among all the Bengals. But knowing their characters, I’m betting Taj will be the one to teach Sali proper tiger etiquette.”
Sali is now on full public view in the Tiger Island nursery. She is bottled fed four times a day and content to play with her favourite Teddy and SpongeBob SquarePants toy. To see Sali and her step sisters, Indah and Rahni, visit Dreamworld on Australia’s Gold Coast.
Heralding the hopes of a new litter is a tiny six week old Sumatran tiger cub named Sali that was delivered to Dreamworld on Saturday, May 17.
Born on April 11 to a litter of four at the Perth Zoo, Sali, which means “steadfast” in Indonesian language, had an ill-fated start to life. Rejected by her mother after the death of her three siblings, she faced a future without social interaction. Sali was flown to Dreamworld’s Tiger Island to be hand reared by a team of trainers with a combined 60 years experience.
Dreamworld’s Tiger Island Manager, Patrick Martin-Vegue said, “It’s not unusual for tigers to mis-mother their offspring and while survival was not an issue for tiny Sali, the Australian Species Coordinator for Sumatran Tigers, Chris Hibbard, considered it best to relocate her to a more social environment with the goal of integrating with other cats.
“In the long term, this will improve Sali’s chances of breeding and hopefully bolster the insurance population for the critically endangered Sumatran tiger species.”
Dreamworld already has ten big cats, including Indah and Rahni, the two Sumatran cubs born on Tiger Island March, 2007 and now weighing around 75 kg. All except two of the tigers have been hand raised.
Martin-Vegue plans to integrate Sali with both the giant Bengals and the one year old Sumatrans sometime next week.
“If things go according to plan and Soraya has a successful pregnancy, Sali will also be assimilated with the new litter of cubs which we anticipate will be born in early June.”
He is unconcerned about 200 kilogram Bengal tigers meeting a 4.5kg cub.
“The different personalities on the island will actually improve Sali’s behavioural skills,” he said.
“This is the fourth time that Mohan has met a tiger cub and he’s likely to be the least phased among all the Bengals. But knowing their characters, I’m betting Taj will be the one to teach Sali proper tiger etiquette.”
Sali is now on full public view in the Tiger Island nursery. She is bottled fed four times a day and content to play with her favourite Teddy and SpongeBob SquarePants toy. To see Sali and her step sisters, Indah and Rahni, visit Dreamworld on Australia’s Gold Coast.
Wednesday, 9 May 2007
Introducing Indah
One of Dreamworld’s gorgeous Sumatran tiger cubs received her name this morning after a week long national naming competition on the Today Show.
Dreamworld received over 15, 000 entries online and after much deliberation, the team from Tiger Island chose the name INDAH meaning beautiful or precious in Indonesian.
The name was an extremely popular choice with over 100 viewers putting it forward. Once selected, it was the lucky Jodie Merryman's Indah entry that was randomly drawn.
Jodie was the lucky winner of an amazing family holiday to the Gold Coast and a meet and grrrreet with the adorable cubs.
For those who missed out the Dreamworld online competition is still running until next Tuesday.
The second cub's name will be announced on Friday 18th May when The Wiggles drop into Dreamworld and will be spend some one on one time with Indah and her sister.
Our website competition is currently sitting at over 30,000 entries. The winner will also receive their very own meet and grrrrrreet with the bubs in their special cubby house behind Tiger Island.
Dreamworld received over 15, 000 entries online and after much deliberation, the team from Tiger Island chose the name INDAH meaning beautiful or precious in Indonesian.
The name was an extremely popular choice with over 100 viewers putting it forward. Once selected, it was the lucky Jodie Merryman's Indah entry that was randomly drawn.
Jodie was the lucky winner of an amazing family holiday to the Gold Coast and a meet and grrrreet with the adorable cubs.
For those who missed out the Dreamworld online competition is still running until next Tuesday.
The second cub's name will be announced on Friday 18th May when The Wiggles drop into Dreamworld and will be spend some one on one time with Indah and her sister.
Our website competition is currently sitting at over 30,000 entries. The winner will also receive their very own meet and grrrrrreet with the bubs in their special cubby house behind Tiger Island.
Monday, 2 April 2007
First Litter of Sumatran Tiger Cubs Born at Dreamworld
Dreamworld’s first litter of Sumatran tiger cubs were born at Tiger Island on Saturday, March 31, 2007 as part of an international breeding program to save one of the most critically endangered species on Earth.
The first cub, a baby girl arrived at 7.45am weighing in at just 1.19kg. Just under an hour later, a second female cub arrived weighing just 1.18kg.
The cubs received their first post-birth health check, a weigh in yesterday and “passed with flying colours” according to Tiger Island Manager, Patrick Martin-Vegue.
“The siblings are bonding well with their mother and spend the day suckling and sleeping, which is normal behaviour during the first few weeks of their development.”
“We are very fortunate our first-time mum has adjusted so well to her new role, she has become the model parent,” Mr Martin-Vegue said.
Measuring approximately 30cm in length (head to tail), the cubs and their mother will remain in a quarantine environment for the next couple of weeks to minimise the risk of infection and allow the cub’s immune system’s to strengthen.
Dreamworld guests can view the cubs through closed circuit television monitors positioned at Tiger Island. In the next 2-3 weeks, guests will see them bouncing around their purpose built nursery and then at 6 weeks, walking around the park.
There are 125 Sumatran tigers in 57 institutions worldwide and just 29 within the Australasian regional program. Only 3 Sumatran cubs have been born in the region in the last five years.
Dreamworld is honoured and excited to welcome such an important addition to the family born to Soraya (4 yrs of age) and father, Raja (3 years of age) at Tiger Island.
Commenting on the new arrivals, Dreamworld Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Gregg said the entire team is elated with the news, “the birth of the cubs is indeed a hallmark event for Dreamworld and Tiger Island.”
“This is the very first littler of Sumatran tiger cubs born at Tiger Island. In 1998, we welcomed our Bengal tiger cubs, including the birth of the first white tiger in Australia. Almost a decade later, we celebrate another win for Dreamworld’s tiger breeding program.”
“The primary focus at this point is the health and well-being of Soraya and her cubs, and I’m pleased to report that presently, all are doing well. They will be monitored very closely over the next 48 hours and we will review their progress from there,” Mr Gregg said.
The cubs are under the watchful eyes of Dreamworld’s on-site vet, Vere Nicolson, Tiger Island Manager, Patrick Martin-Vegue and the Tiger Island team which collectively have over 40 years experience caring for and working with tigers.
Andy Goldfarb, former Tiger Island Manager will return to assist Patrick and his team over the next few months. Collectively, the pair have aided the births of more than 130 cubs.
The gestation period for tigers is between 100 to 110 days. The average litter size is between two and four cubs with a record eight reported.
“Fortunately, captive bred cubs have a 90 percent chance of survival because of their stable environment. For cubs born in the wild, the survival rate is just 25 to 50 percent due to poor nutrition, rejection by mothers and predators,” Mr Martin-Vegue said.
The Gold Coast’s first Sumatran Tiger, Soraya (meaning Princess) arrived at Dreamworld from Tier Park Zoo in Berlin, Germany on October 30, 2003 as part of The Australasian Species Management Program for Sumatran tigers, internationally recognised and supported by governments throughout the region.
3 Year old Raja (meaning King/Ruler) was selected by the international stud book coordinator for Sumatran tigers as a mate for Soraya and arrived at Dreamworld from Zoo Krefeld in Germany on December 1st, 2005 as part of the international effort to save one of the most endangered species on Earth.
Raja and Soraya live in their purpose built, off-exhibit tiger facility at Tiger Island built to Australian Standards and approved by Australian Quarantine and Inspection Services (AQIS), Environment Australia and inspected by the RSPCA.
Raja and Soraya have the purest blood lines in the Australasian region, and therefore will make an extremely significant contribution to the conservation of Sumatran Tigers in general.
“Soraya is an extremely inquisitive tiger with an easy-going nature. We have certainly developed a great relationship,” Mr Martin-Vegue said.
“Raja has also had very limited human contact so is unable to be handled. He’s a little more temperamental and certainly likes to let us know who’s boss.”
With less than 400 left in the wild, Sumatran tigers are listed as one of the world’s most critically endangered species by the Convention for International Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES), supported by 190 countries world wide.
Dreamworld’s Tiger Island was nominated as the new home for Soraya and Raja, by the international Species Coordinator for Sumatran and Amur Tigers, Sarah Christie, a leading member of the European Endangered Species Program and Curator for London Zoo.
Ms Christie visited Dreamworld in 2001 and said she based her decision on the park’s existing tiger facilities, expertise, significant conservation efforts and the need to increase the genetic diversity of Sumatran Tigers in the Australasian region.
The importation of Raja and Soraya confirms Dreamworld's commitment to the regional captive management program for this critically endangered species and will allow further engagement with the region's zoos for its long term recovery.
“Our aim is to ensure the appropriate genetic management of the remaining captive population of the species and raise conservation funds to support on the ground initiatives such as educating people within those areas where tigers are found in their natural habitat. This will also provide a safety valve that will prevent the extinction of the species,” Mr Martin-Vegue said.
“We are very proud of our ongoing efforts to help save tigers in the wild through donations and on
the ground support,” Mr Martin-Vegue said.
“The cubs are another step to help save this magnificent species from extinction. They will be raised here at Tiger Island until they are required by other zoos for breeding.”
Sumatran Tigers are smaller and darker than Bengal tigers. Raja currently weighs about 130 kilograms in comparison to male Bengal tigers who can tip the scales at 230 kilograms.
Dreamworld’s Tiger Island is also home to seven Bengal tigers and two cougars and plays a leading role in tiger conservation world-wide through donations and hands-on involvement with conservation field projects actively saving tigers in the wild.
“Our conservation through education approach at Tiger Island aims to increase public awareness of the grim future faced by tigers in the wild. Soraya’s cubs reinforce Dreamworld’s quest to maintain the survival of this magnificent species,” Mr Martin Vegue said.
In addition to supporting the Sumatran Tiger Program, Dreamworld makes a significant contribution to tiger conservation on a global scale through the park’s Tiger Fund.
To date, Dreamworld has donated over $650,000 to saving tigers in the wild through the Dreamworld Tiger Fund by donating directly to the following programs.
Working closely with these organisations, Dreamworld actively contributes to anti-poaching activity including anti-poaching patrols on the ground in Indonesia, India and Russia, Ranger salaries, the purchase of medical equipment and patrol vehicles, intelligence and legal activity.
The money also goes towards regeneration and protection of tiger habitat including village relocation.
A registered zoo, Dreamworld is located on Queensland’s Gold Coast, 25 minutes north of Surfers Paradise and 40 minutes from Brisbane. The park is open from 10am to 5pm every day except Christmas Day and Anzac Day morning (25/4).
The first cub, a baby girl arrived at 7.45am weighing in at just 1.19kg. Just under an hour later, a second female cub arrived weighing just 1.18kg.
The cubs received their first post-birth health check, a weigh in yesterday and “passed with flying colours” according to Tiger Island Manager, Patrick Martin-Vegue.
“The siblings are bonding well with their mother and spend the day suckling and sleeping, which is normal behaviour during the first few weeks of their development.”
“We are very fortunate our first-time mum has adjusted so well to her new role, she has become the model parent,” Mr Martin-Vegue said.
Measuring approximately 30cm in length (head to tail), the cubs and their mother will remain in a quarantine environment for the next couple of weeks to minimise the risk of infection and allow the cub’s immune system’s to strengthen.
Dreamworld guests can view the cubs through closed circuit television monitors positioned at Tiger Island. In the next 2-3 weeks, guests will see them bouncing around their purpose built nursery and then at 6 weeks, walking around the park.
There are 125 Sumatran tigers in 57 institutions worldwide and just 29 within the Australasian regional program. Only 3 Sumatran cubs have been born in the region in the last five years.
Dreamworld is honoured and excited to welcome such an important addition to the family born to Soraya (4 yrs of age) and father, Raja (3 years of age) at Tiger Island.
Commenting on the new arrivals, Dreamworld Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Gregg said the entire team is elated with the news, “the birth of the cubs is indeed a hallmark event for Dreamworld and Tiger Island.”
“This is the very first littler of Sumatran tiger cubs born at Tiger Island. In 1998, we welcomed our Bengal tiger cubs, including the birth of the first white tiger in Australia. Almost a decade later, we celebrate another win for Dreamworld’s tiger breeding program.”
“The primary focus at this point is the health and well-being of Soraya and her cubs, and I’m pleased to report that presently, all are doing well. They will be monitored very closely over the next 48 hours and we will review their progress from there,” Mr Gregg said.
The cubs are under the watchful eyes of Dreamworld’s on-site vet, Vere Nicolson, Tiger Island Manager, Patrick Martin-Vegue and the Tiger Island team which collectively have over 40 years experience caring for and working with tigers.
Andy Goldfarb, former Tiger Island Manager will return to assist Patrick and his team over the next few months. Collectively, the pair have aided the births of more than 130 cubs.
The gestation period for tigers is between 100 to 110 days. The average litter size is between two and four cubs with a record eight reported.
“Fortunately, captive bred cubs have a 90 percent chance of survival because of their stable environment. For cubs born in the wild, the survival rate is just 25 to 50 percent due to poor nutrition, rejection by mothers and predators,” Mr Martin-Vegue said.
The Gold Coast’s first Sumatran Tiger, Soraya (meaning Princess) arrived at Dreamworld from Tier Park Zoo in Berlin, Germany on October 30, 2003 as part of The Australasian Species Management Program for Sumatran tigers, internationally recognised and supported by governments throughout the region.
3 Year old Raja (meaning King/Ruler) was selected by the international stud book coordinator for Sumatran tigers as a mate for Soraya and arrived at Dreamworld from Zoo Krefeld in Germany on December 1st, 2005 as part of the international effort to save one of the most endangered species on Earth.
Raja and Soraya live in their purpose built, off-exhibit tiger facility at Tiger Island built to Australian Standards and approved by Australian Quarantine and Inspection Services (AQIS), Environment Australia and inspected by the RSPCA.
Raja and Soraya have the purest blood lines in the Australasian region, and therefore will make an extremely significant contribution to the conservation of Sumatran Tigers in general.
“Soraya is an extremely inquisitive tiger with an easy-going nature. We have certainly developed a great relationship,” Mr Martin-Vegue said.
“Raja has also had very limited human contact so is unable to be handled. He’s a little more temperamental and certainly likes to let us know who’s boss.”
With less than 400 left in the wild, Sumatran tigers are listed as one of the world’s most critically endangered species by the Convention for International Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES), supported by 190 countries world wide.
Dreamworld’s Tiger Island was nominated as the new home for Soraya and Raja, by the international Species Coordinator for Sumatran and Amur Tigers, Sarah Christie, a leading member of the European Endangered Species Program and Curator for London Zoo.
Ms Christie visited Dreamworld in 2001 and said she based her decision on the park’s existing tiger facilities, expertise, significant conservation efforts and the need to increase the genetic diversity of Sumatran Tigers in the Australasian region.
The importation of Raja and Soraya confirms Dreamworld's commitment to the regional captive management program for this critically endangered species and will allow further engagement with the region's zoos for its long term recovery.
“Our aim is to ensure the appropriate genetic management of the remaining captive population of the species and raise conservation funds to support on the ground initiatives such as educating people within those areas where tigers are found in their natural habitat. This will also provide a safety valve that will prevent the extinction of the species,” Mr Martin-Vegue said.
“We are very proud of our ongoing efforts to help save tigers in the wild through donations and on
the ground support,” Mr Martin-Vegue said.
“The cubs are another step to help save this magnificent species from extinction. They will be raised here at Tiger Island until they are required by other zoos for breeding.”
Sumatran Tigers are smaller and darker than Bengal tigers. Raja currently weighs about 130 kilograms in comparison to male Bengal tigers who can tip the scales at 230 kilograms.
Dreamworld’s Tiger Island is also home to seven Bengal tigers and two cougars and plays a leading role in tiger conservation world-wide through donations and hands-on involvement with conservation field projects actively saving tigers in the wild.
“Our conservation through education approach at Tiger Island aims to increase public awareness of the grim future faced by tigers in the wild. Soraya’s cubs reinforce Dreamworld’s quest to maintain the survival of this magnificent species,” Mr Martin Vegue said.
In addition to supporting the Sumatran Tiger Program, Dreamworld makes a significant contribution to tiger conservation on a global scale through the park’s Tiger Fund.
To date, Dreamworld has donated over $650,000 to saving tigers in the wild through the Dreamworld Tiger Fund by donating directly to the following programs.
- Flora and Fauna International
- LifeForce Satpura National Park Project India
- 21st Century Tiger (another UK based charity)
- Sumatran Tiger project
- Taman Safari Park
- The Phoenix Fund
Working closely with these organisations, Dreamworld actively contributes to anti-poaching activity including anti-poaching patrols on the ground in Indonesia, India and Russia, Ranger salaries, the purchase of medical equipment and patrol vehicles, intelligence and legal activity.
The money also goes towards regeneration and protection of tiger habitat including village relocation.
A registered zoo, Dreamworld is located on Queensland’s Gold Coast, 25 minutes north of Surfers Paradise and 40 minutes from Brisbane. The park is open from 10am to 5pm every day except Christmas Day and Anzac Day morning (25/4).
Wednesday, 23 November 2005
New Sumatran tiger for Dreamworld
There’ll be no more lonely nights for Dreamworld’s Sumatran Tiger Soraya as the park gets ready to welcome a second Sumatran tiger from Germany next month.
Raja, a 23 month-old male golden tiger, has been selected by the international stud book coordinator for Sumatran tigers as a mate for Soraya who arrived at Dreamworld in 2003.
Raja will be relocated from Zoo Krefeld near Dusseldorf to Dreamworld’s Tiger Island as part of the Australasian Species Management Program for Sumatran tigers, internationally recognised and supported by governments throughout the region.
Set to touch down on December 1st, Raja will spend his first 30 days in quarantine at Dreamworld before joining Soraya in their purpose-built off-exhibit tiger facility at Tiger Island.
With less than 400 left in the wild, Sumatran tigers are listed as one of the world’s most critically endangered species by the Convention for International Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES), supported by 190 countries world wide.
There are currently 235 Sumatran tigers in zoos world-wide including 20 within the Australasian region.
Chair of the Australasian Species Management Program (ASMP) and Director of Adelaide Zoo, Mark Craig hailed the move as a big win for tiger conservation.
“This import is a significant contribution to the Australasian Sumatran Tiger captive management program and confirms Dreamworld’s commitment and major contribution to conservation and education programs for this critically endangered species.”
Dreamworld Chief Executive Officer Stephen Gregg said the park was honoured and excited to receive a second Sumatran Tiger, especially one of such high importance to the region.
“We are very proud of our ongoing efforts to help save tigers in the wild through donations and on
the ground support,” Mr Gregg said.
“Welcoming Raja to Dreamworld is yet another step to help save this magnificent species from extinction.”
Dreamworld’s Chief Operating Officer Kevin Bradley said the park hoped to hear the pitter-patter of tiny paws in late 2006.
“If all goes to plan, we aim to breed Soraya and Raja in about a years time,” Mr Bradley said.
“Their offspring will then be raised by Tiger Island staff and remain at Tiger Island until they are required by other zoos for breeding.
“Sadly, these tigers can not be released back into the wild due to the high rate of habitat destruction and poaching. Our aim is simply to ensure the appropriate genetic management of the remaining captive population of the species in the hope that one day we may be able to re-populate areas where Sumatran tigers have been wiped out.”
Dreamworld’s Tiger Island Manager Patrick Martin-Vegue met Raja when he visited Germany earlier this year.
“Raja seemed like a really friendly, well adjusted cat but like Soraya he has had limited human contact and can’t be handled,” Mr Martin-Vegue said.
“He will not mix with our Bengal tigers but hopefully he will get on really well with Soraya and we’ll see some cubs soon.”
Mr Martin-Vegue will travel to Germany to collect Raja this Friday.
The import of Raja will boost Sumatran tiger numbers in the Australasian region to 20 (ten male, ten female) across 12 zoos, including Dreamworld, Taronga Zoo (Sydney), The National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra, Melbourne Zoo, Adelaide Zoo, Perth Zoo, Australia Zoo, (Qld), Mogo Zoo (NSW) and Western Plains Zoo (Dubbo), plus Auckland Zoo, Wellington Zoo and Hamilton Zoo in New Zealand.
Dreamworld’s Tiger Island is currently home to seven Bengal tigers, one Sumatran tiger and two cougars. The attraction can house up to 14 tigers at one time.
The park’s resident Sumatran tiger Soraya was imported from Tier Park Zoo in Germany in 2003 as part of the Australian Species Management Program.
Sumatran Tigers are smaller and darker than Bengal tigers. Raja currently weighs 85 kilograms. When fully grown at three years of age, he’ll tip the scales at about 130 kilograms.
In comparison, male Bengal tigers can grow up to 230 kilograms. Dreamworld’s largest Bengal tiger is Sultan who weighs around 200 kilos.
Tiger Island is an interactive sanctuary where Bengal tigers play wrestle and swim with their handlers every day.
In addition to supporting the Sumatran Tiger Program, Dreamworld makes a significant contribution to tiger conservation on a global scale through the park’s Tiger Fund.
To date, Dreamworld has donated over $300,000 to saving tigers in the wild through the Dreamworld Tiger Fund by donating directly to the following programs.
• Flora and Fauna International
• LifeForce Satpura National Park Project India
• 21st Century Tiger (another UK based charity)
• Sumatran Tiger project
• Taman Safari Park
• The Phoenix Fund
Working closely with these organisations, Dreamworld actively contributes to anti-poaching activity including anti-poaching patrols on the ground in Indonesia, India and Russia, Ranger salaries, the purchase of medical equipment and patrol vehicles, intelligence and legal activity.
The money also goes towards regeneration and protection of tiger habitat including village relocation.
A registered zoo, Dreamworld is located on Queensland’s Gold Coast, 25 minutes north of Surfers Paradise and 40 minutes from Brisbane. The park is open from 10am to 5pm every day except Christmas Day and Anzac Day morning (25/4).
Entry to Tiger Island is included in the general Dreamworld admission price.
Raja, a 23 month-old male golden tiger, has been selected by the international stud book coordinator for Sumatran tigers as a mate for Soraya who arrived at Dreamworld in 2003.
Raja will be relocated from Zoo Krefeld near Dusseldorf to Dreamworld’s Tiger Island as part of the Australasian Species Management Program for Sumatran tigers, internationally recognised and supported by governments throughout the region.
Set to touch down on December 1st, Raja will spend his first 30 days in quarantine at Dreamworld before joining Soraya in their purpose-built off-exhibit tiger facility at Tiger Island.
With less than 400 left in the wild, Sumatran tigers are listed as one of the world’s most critically endangered species by the Convention for International Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES), supported by 190 countries world wide.
There are currently 235 Sumatran tigers in zoos world-wide including 20 within the Australasian region.
Chair of the Australasian Species Management Program (ASMP) and Director of Adelaide Zoo, Mark Craig hailed the move as a big win for tiger conservation.
“This import is a significant contribution to the Australasian Sumatran Tiger captive management program and confirms Dreamworld’s commitment and major contribution to conservation and education programs for this critically endangered species.”
Dreamworld Chief Executive Officer Stephen Gregg said the park was honoured and excited to receive a second Sumatran Tiger, especially one of such high importance to the region.
“We are very proud of our ongoing efforts to help save tigers in the wild through donations and on
the ground support,” Mr Gregg said.
“Welcoming Raja to Dreamworld is yet another step to help save this magnificent species from extinction.”
Dreamworld’s Chief Operating Officer Kevin Bradley said the park hoped to hear the pitter-patter of tiny paws in late 2006.
“If all goes to plan, we aim to breed Soraya and Raja in about a years time,” Mr Bradley said.
“Their offspring will then be raised by Tiger Island staff and remain at Tiger Island until they are required by other zoos for breeding.
“Sadly, these tigers can not be released back into the wild due to the high rate of habitat destruction and poaching. Our aim is simply to ensure the appropriate genetic management of the remaining captive population of the species in the hope that one day we may be able to re-populate areas where Sumatran tigers have been wiped out.”
Dreamworld’s Tiger Island Manager Patrick Martin-Vegue met Raja when he visited Germany earlier this year.
“Raja seemed like a really friendly, well adjusted cat but like Soraya he has had limited human contact and can’t be handled,” Mr Martin-Vegue said.
“He will not mix with our Bengal tigers but hopefully he will get on really well with Soraya and we’ll see some cubs soon.”
Mr Martin-Vegue will travel to Germany to collect Raja this Friday.
The import of Raja will boost Sumatran tiger numbers in the Australasian region to 20 (ten male, ten female) across 12 zoos, including Dreamworld, Taronga Zoo (Sydney), The National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra, Melbourne Zoo, Adelaide Zoo, Perth Zoo, Australia Zoo, (Qld), Mogo Zoo (NSW) and Western Plains Zoo (Dubbo), plus Auckland Zoo, Wellington Zoo and Hamilton Zoo in New Zealand.
Dreamworld’s Tiger Island is currently home to seven Bengal tigers, one Sumatran tiger and two cougars. The attraction can house up to 14 tigers at one time.
The park’s resident Sumatran tiger Soraya was imported from Tier Park Zoo in Germany in 2003 as part of the Australian Species Management Program.
Sumatran Tigers are smaller and darker than Bengal tigers. Raja currently weighs 85 kilograms. When fully grown at three years of age, he’ll tip the scales at about 130 kilograms.
In comparison, male Bengal tigers can grow up to 230 kilograms. Dreamworld’s largest Bengal tiger is Sultan who weighs around 200 kilos.
Tiger Island is an interactive sanctuary where Bengal tigers play wrestle and swim with their handlers every day.
In addition to supporting the Sumatran Tiger Program, Dreamworld makes a significant contribution to tiger conservation on a global scale through the park’s Tiger Fund.
To date, Dreamworld has donated over $300,000 to saving tigers in the wild through the Dreamworld Tiger Fund by donating directly to the following programs.
• Flora and Fauna International
• LifeForce Satpura National Park Project India
• 21st Century Tiger (another UK based charity)
• Sumatran Tiger project
• Taman Safari Park
• The Phoenix Fund
Working closely with these organisations, Dreamworld actively contributes to anti-poaching activity including anti-poaching patrols on the ground in Indonesia, India and Russia, Ranger salaries, the purchase of medical equipment and patrol vehicles, intelligence and legal activity.
The money also goes towards regeneration and protection of tiger habitat including village relocation.
A registered zoo, Dreamworld is located on Queensland’s Gold Coast, 25 minutes north of Surfers Paradise and 40 minutes from Brisbane. The park is open from 10am to 5pm every day except Christmas Day and Anzac Day morning (25/4).
Entry to Tiger Island is included in the general Dreamworld admission price.
Monday, 14 December 1998
Dreamworld's New Thrill Ride Claims Three World Firsts
The Queensland Premier, Mr Peter Beattie today witnessed the biggest fall in his political career after launching the tallest free fall ride in the world at Dreamworld.
The Giant Drop, Dreamworld's new $12 million high-tech thrill ride created three world firsts on its maiden despatch.
Aside from being the tallest free fall ride in the world, The Giant Drop has created structural design and construction history for rides of this type, sharing the physical tower that supports the fastest, tallest rollercoaster in the world - the Tower of Terror. The dual 8-seater gondolas are being used for the first time on a ride of this height and design.
Peaking at 119 metres high, passengers experience the exhilaration of falling from 39 storeys at the speed of gravity (up to 135 kilometres per hour) aboard one of two 8-seater gondolas. Until now the tallest ride of this type was the Blue Fall in Hakeijima, Japan which is 107 metres high.
Mr Beattie joined Mr Lawrie Stapleton General Manager of Dreamworld’s listed owner, LeisureWide Property Trust, Dreamworld Chief Executive Officer Mr Fred Maybury and invited guests for the official launch and ride preview experiences.
Commenting on the world first coups, Dreamworld CEO Fred Maybury said new state-of-the-art rides and attractions such as The Giant Drop benefit Dreamworld, the Gold Coast, Queensland and Australia as a tourist destination.
"Tourism, the local economy and theme park visitors are the winners - being able to experience the world’s most technologically advanced rides and attractions in Australia".
Mr Maybury said the Tower of Terror which opened in January 1997 and set the world speed record for rollercoasters was engineered with the opportunity to develop a second ride from the Dreamworld Tower.
"This Christmas guests will be able to experience the best of both worlds - being blasted skyward on the Tower of Terror at speeds of up to 160 kph and free falling downward from 0 to up to 135 kph."
The commissioning process on The Giant Drop will continue up until Boxing Day but the ride will be operational at intervals leading up to December 26 - the start of the Christmas holiday promotion period.
The Giant Drop will add to Dreamworld’s Triple Thrill Christmas line-up which includes four shows daily of Michael Edgley’s All New Moscow Circus (26 December until 24 January 1999. Extended hours 9am to 6.30pm) and the arrival of Tiger Island’s first Bengal tiger cubs.
The Giant Drop, Dreamworld's new $12 million high-tech thrill ride created three world firsts on its maiden despatch.
Aside from being the tallest free fall ride in the world, The Giant Drop has created structural design and construction history for rides of this type, sharing the physical tower that supports the fastest, tallest rollercoaster in the world - the Tower of Terror. The dual 8-seater gondolas are being used for the first time on a ride of this height and design.
Peaking at 119 metres high, passengers experience the exhilaration of falling from 39 storeys at the speed of gravity (up to 135 kilometres per hour) aboard one of two 8-seater gondolas. Until now the tallest ride of this type was the Blue Fall in Hakeijima, Japan which is 107 metres high.
Mr Beattie joined Mr Lawrie Stapleton General Manager of Dreamworld’s listed owner, LeisureWide Property Trust, Dreamworld Chief Executive Officer Mr Fred Maybury and invited guests for the official launch and ride preview experiences.
Commenting on the world first coups, Dreamworld CEO Fred Maybury said new state-of-the-art rides and attractions such as The Giant Drop benefit Dreamworld, the Gold Coast, Queensland and Australia as a tourist destination.
"Tourism, the local economy and theme park visitors are the winners - being able to experience the world’s most technologically advanced rides and attractions in Australia".
Mr Maybury said the Tower of Terror which opened in January 1997 and set the world speed record for rollercoasters was engineered with the opportunity to develop a second ride from the Dreamworld Tower.
"This Christmas guests will be able to experience the best of both worlds - being blasted skyward on the Tower of Terror at speeds of up to 160 kph and free falling downward from 0 to up to 135 kph."
The commissioning process on The Giant Drop will continue up until Boxing Day but the ride will be operational at intervals leading up to December 26 - the start of the Christmas holiday promotion period.
The Giant Drop will add to Dreamworld’s Triple Thrill Christmas line-up which includes four shows daily of Michael Edgley’s All New Moscow Circus (26 December until 24 January 1999. Extended hours 9am to 6.30pm) and the arrival of Tiger Island’s first Bengal tiger cubs.
Monday, 2 November 1998
New High-Tech Thrill Ride for Christmas
The Queensland Premier, Mr Peter Beattie today witnessed the biggest fall in his political career after launching the tallest free fall ride in the world at Dreamworld.
The Giant Drop, Dreamworld's new $12 million high-tech thrill ride created three world firsts on its maiden despatch.
Aside from being the tallest free fall ride in the world, The Giant Drop has created structural design and construction history for rides of this type, sharing the physical tower that supports the fastest, tallest rollercoaster in the world - the Tower of Terror. The dual 8-seater gondolas are being used for the first time on a ride of this height and design.
Peaking at 119 metres high, passengers experience the exhilaration of falling from 39 storeys at the speed of gravity (up to 135 kilometres per hour) aboard one of two 8-seater gondolas. Until now the tallest ride of this type was the Blue Fall in Hakeijima, Japan which is 107 metres high.
Mr Beattie joined Mr Lawrie Stapleton General Manager of Dreamworld’s listed owner, LeisureWide Property Trust, Dreamworld Chief Executive Officer Mr Fred Maybury and invited guests for the official launch and ride preview experiences.
Commenting on the world first coups, Dreamworld CEO Fred Maybury said new state-of-the-art rides and attractions such as The Giant Drop benefit Dreamworld, the Gold Coast, Queensland and Australia as a tourist destination.
"Tourism, the local economy and theme park visitors are the winners - being able to experience the world’s most technologically advanced rides and attractions in Australia".
Mr Maybury said the Tower of Terror which opened in January 1997 and set the world speed record for rollercoasters was engineered with the opportunity to develop a second ride from the Dreamworld Tower.
"This Christmas guests will be able to experience the best of both worlds - being blasted skyward on the Tower of Terror at speeds of up to 160 kph and free falling downward from 0 to up to 135 kph."
The commissioning process on The Giant Drop will continue up until Boxing Day but the ride will be operational at intervals leading up to December 26 - the start of the Christmas holiday promotion period.
The Giant Drop will add to Dreamworld’s Triple Thrill Christmas line-up which includes four shows daily of Michael Edgley’s All New Moscow Circus (26 December until 24 January 1999. Extended hours 9am to 6.30pm) and the arrival of Tiger Island’s first Bengal tiger cubs.
The Giant Drop, Dreamworld's new $12 million high-tech thrill ride created three world firsts on its maiden despatch.
Aside from being the tallest free fall ride in the world, The Giant Drop has created structural design and construction history for rides of this type, sharing the physical tower that supports the fastest, tallest rollercoaster in the world - the Tower of Terror. The dual 8-seater gondolas are being used for the first time on a ride of this height and design.
Peaking at 119 metres high, passengers experience the exhilaration of falling from 39 storeys at the speed of gravity (up to 135 kilometres per hour) aboard one of two 8-seater gondolas. Until now the tallest ride of this type was the Blue Fall in Hakeijima, Japan which is 107 metres high.
Mr Beattie joined Mr Lawrie Stapleton General Manager of Dreamworld’s listed owner, LeisureWide Property Trust, Dreamworld Chief Executive Officer Mr Fred Maybury and invited guests for the official launch and ride preview experiences.
Commenting on the world first coups, Dreamworld CEO Fred Maybury said new state-of-the-art rides and attractions such as The Giant Drop benefit Dreamworld, the Gold Coast, Queensland and Australia as a tourist destination.
"Tourism, the local economy and theme park visitors are the winners - being able to experience the world’s most technologically advanced rides and attractions in Australia".
Mr Maybury said the Tower of Terror which opened in January 1997 and set the world speed record for rollercoasters was engineered with the opportunity to develop a second ride from the Dreamworld Tower.
"This Christmas guests will be able to experience the best of both worlds - being blasted skyward on the Tower of Terror at speeds of up to 160 kph and free falling downward from 0 to up to 135 kph."
The commissioning process on The Giant Drop will continue up until Boxing Day but the ride will be operational at intervals leading up to December 26 - the start of the Christmas holiday promotion period.
The Giant Drop will add to Dreamworld’s Triple Thrill Christmas line-up which includes four shows daily of Michael Edgley’s All New Moscow Circus (26 December until 24 January 1999. Extended hours 9am to 6.30pm) and the arrival of Tiger Island’s first Bengal tiger cubs.
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