A male Amur tiger named Amur was released into its natural habitat at the Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve on October 31. He is the second tiger released into the wild in Kazakhstan as part of the reintroduction program.
After arriving in Kazakhstan, Amur stayed in a specially equipped adaptation enclosure at the reserve under the constant supervision of specialists. Before his release, he underwent veterinary examinations and behavioral tests assessing his health, hunting skills, ability to find food independently and response to people.
The tests confirmed that Amur was ready to live independently in the wild. He was fitted with a satellite collar so specialists can track his movements and adaptation.
Tigers had been absent from Kazakhstan’s natural environment for more than 70 years. Work to restore habitats and the food base began after the Ile-Balkhash reserve was established in 2018. In September 2026, 30 kulans were relocated from Altyn-Emel National Nature Park to the reserve.
The female tiger Ümit, released on July 31, continues to explore the reserve and hunt independently. Specialists say her adaptation is progressing successfully. Two tiger cubs that arrived in Kazakhstan with the adult animals are growing under expert supervision; their release will be considered when they reach the required age and pass the relevant tests.
The reintroduction program is being carried out through cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia, with the participation of conservation organizations and the scientific community. Its long-term goal is to establish a sustainable tiger population in the Ili River delta and the southern Balkhash region that can reproduce independently in the wild.
