Raft encourages Sumatran into deeper waters

Keepers at ZSL London Zoo have been encouraging their male Sumatran tiger, Jae Jae, to stay cool during the summer heat wave by taking swimming lessons.

While Jae Jae could often be found relaxing in the shallow end of his custom-built pool, keepers wanted him to make use of his muscles by taking a swim.

To encourage him, a special raft was devised and topped with meaty treats to entice the big cat into deeper waters.

Placed at the centre of the tiger pool, the floating raft was covered with chicken wings - Jae Jae's favourite treat.

Tiger keeper Teague Stubbington said: "Jae Jae loves chilling out in the Tiger Territory pool – especially on hot days − but we really wanted him to make better use of it and encourage his natural swimming abilities.
 
"Not only is swimming fantastic exercise for Jae Jae, the anticipation of getting to the meat stimulates his natural predatory instincts – and catching his ‘prey’ is the best reward he can get!"