Watch new tigers Padme and Carrie at Paignton Zoo

Two new tigers have arrived at Paignton Zoo following the deaths of zoo favourites, Sumatran tigers Shakaria and Fabi, and Lucu’s move to Edinburgh.

The two new female tigers are from Ree Park in Denmark. Sisters Padme and Carrie are just under two years old and from the same litter.

They have arrived at the zoo as part of a European ex situ population management programme (EEP) recommendation, which is overseen by ZSL London Zoo.

After Lucu left Paignton go to Edinburgh Zoo, as it was important that for the future of the EEP species in captivity, a young pairing of tigers were made.

Paignton Zoo holding two females still supports the EEP and allows the continuation of the breeding programme.

Regular visitors to the zoo will spot the new stripy residents housed in the old lion exhibit, with the lions being moved to the old tiger paddock.

The switch of enclosures has been made ahead of the arrival of two new lionesses for our male, Yali, who are expected to arrive from Cotswold Wild Park early in the New Year.

It has enabled the zoo to do some work in the paddocks, such as pond works and on the shelters.

Sumatran tigers are the smallest of all tigers and are native to the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Their stripes are closer together and their fur darker than other subspecies, allowing them to better blend into their tropical rainforest habitat.

Sumatran tigers are Critically Endangered due to poaching and habitat loss, primarily for palm oil plantations. Sadly, fewer than 400 Sumatran tigers are estimated to remain in the wild.

Paignton Zoo is part of Wild Planet Trust. They are both registered charities striving to conserve species and habitats, and to inspire and empower people to help in the fight to protect wildlife.