Endangered Amur tigers being paired by conservationists met for the first time at Woburn Safari Park.

The five-year-old male named Dmitri and twelve-year-old Vera were introduced as part of the Endangered Species Programme (EEP) in Milton Keynes, UK.

Footage shows the Amur tigers, also known as Siberian tigers exploring the wildlife sanctuary together.

Keepers said Dmitri's successful integration into Woburn Safari Park from ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in 2022 was a carefully managed process. They acclimatized the male tiger to his new surroundings in the expansive woodland reserve, preparing him for the meeting with Vera.

Visitors to Woburn Safari Park watched the tigers getting acquainted just meters away from their vehicles in the Kingdom of the Carnivores drive-through.

Deputy Head of Carnivores Tommy Babington expressed optimism about the pair's prospects, noting their positive interactions and friendly greetings.

Amur tigers, also known as Siberian tigers, are classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Their population is estimated at 500 to 600 individuals in the wild, primarily in the Russian Far East, with the main threats being poaching and habitat loss. Despite their endangered status, conservation efforts have helped stabilize and slightly increase their numbers in recent years.