Located on the south end of the expanded IDEMA Forest Realm, this project was built in two separate phases.

Phase 1
This phase opened in June 2014. It included a main Tiger Habitat very similar to the tigers’ native forests found in eastern Russia. It also includes a holding/breeding facility with six dens, a rest area with bathrooms, concession stand and viewing areas for visitors. The holding/breeding facility makes John Ball Zoo eligible to participate in the Tiger Species Survival Plan (SSP) and play a crucial role in propagation of the species and inspiring people to help save wild tigers. Each den has a guillotine door system, radiant heated floors, skylights, drinkers, feeder shoots and steel resting benches.

Phase 2
This portion of the project included tiger trails and an additional flex habitat. Phase 2 opened to the public in June 2015.

Unique Construction Features:

• A massive concrete dig barrier was poured below the fence perimeter of habitat areas. The dig barrier is 4-feet-deep and 1-foot-thick. It prevents the tigers from digging out of the exhibit. In the main habitat alone, the dig barrier spans 375 linear feet.
• The flex habitat (part of Phase 2) has a two-inch thick laminated tempered glass barrier installed semi-under water.
• The creation of authentic-looking rocks (part of Phase 2), complete with waterfalls and ponds, was constructed out of a reinforced shotcrete material.