Entebbe zoo star tiger gets name

Yura, the tiger, at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe on November 19, 2022. PHOTO/PAUL ADUDE

What you need to know:

  • The public relations manager of UWEC, Mr Eric Ntalo, said naming the animals is one way to attract and promote the conservation of wildlife in the country.

One of  the key attractions at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), a male White Bengal tiger, that has not had a name since it arrived at the facility in 2020, has finally secured one.
The tiger has been named Yura. It was named by Yuti Breweries Limited after the company signed an agreement with UWEC that is commonly known as Entebbe Zoo. 

The Shs30 million agreement that was signed  at the weekend, gives Yuti Breweries the naming rights for the white tiger.
Speaking after the signing of the agreement, the managing director of, the company, Mr Punit Shah, said there is a need to protect big cats in the wildness in order to conserve the endangered species.
“We will make sure to have activities and donations every year to inculcate awareness among the public on the importance of protecting, preserving, and conserving this endangered species,” he said.

 “It is 50 years after the last tiger in Entebbe Zoo passed on. To sponsor and officially name the latest addition to the centre’s big cat family, Yura, is a profound moment for us. The sponsorship package will provide for the feeding and welfare of our incredible tiger,” he said.
 Mr Punit said his company is committed to conservation of tigers, whose numbers in the world are decreasing due to poaching.
“Following the introduction of these amazing species as well as the hardships that were caused due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we came in to provide a helping hand such that some funds can be used to ensure that the zoo gets back to its previous booming self,” he said.
The public relations manager of UWEC, Mr Eric Ntalo, said naming the animals is one way to attract and promote the conservation of wildlife in the country.

“We have provided a suitable environment for the two tigers here at UWEC by putting in place enrichment features that can help them adapt to our environment like the rocky cliff since they love to climb, a pool and other enrichment features to adopt,” he said.
Mr Ntalo said Yura was acquired from South Africa.
“He feeds on 10kg of beef daily and other foods like liver, chicken, and fresh goat. He is 3.9 years old and is known to move at a speed of 65km per hour, with a roar that can be heard as far as 3km away. He is the biggest of the two existing tigers,” he said.
The facility also has a female brown tiger that was acquired at the same time as the male one.