Phoenix Zoo welcomes 4-year-old tiger from Washington state

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Zoo has welcomed a new member into its family.

The zoo announced Thursday that Dari, a 4-year-old female Sumatran tiger, made her way to the desert from Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington.

Spokeswoman Linda Hardwick said in an email that Dari was recommended by the non profit organization the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Hardwick said Dari has a “very sweet demeanor” and has already begun to explore her new habitat.

The zoo hopes to debut her to the public on Friday. If so, she will likely remain outside from the 8 a.m. hour to about 4 p.m.

The addition of Dari will be the zoo’s first lion since Kitambi, an 8-year-old African lion who called the zoo home, died in August.

The zoo has welcomed a number of animals into its facility this year, including two giraffes.

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