State-of-the-art tiger exhibit promises enriching habitat for beloved tigers
MOORPARK — The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College is excited to invite the community to attend its grand opening of Rajah’s Retreat, a state-of-the-art exhibit that promises a safe and enriching habitat for its beloved tigers, Neil and Karma, on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 3 p.m. at the Teaching Zoo located at 7075 Campus Road in Moorpark.
Addressing the need for modern, interactive and educational exhibits, Rajah’s Retreat features expansive spaces, a pool, naturalistic landscaping and interactive elements designed to captivate and educate guests. Two large viewing windows allow visitors of all ages to get face-to-face with a tiger, making an extraordinary connection with these majestic animals.
The grand opening event will include a ceremonial ribbon cutting, guided tours of the newly-constructed habitat and educational talks by our dedicated student trainers and staff.
“We are excited to share this incredible experience with our community, while promoting animal welfare and raising awareness for these magnificent animals,” said Alisa Behar, the zoo’s operations supervisor.
The construction of Rajah’s Retreat began in late 2021 and represents the start of a new era in modernizing The Teaching Zoo. Funded by private donations, zoo fundraising events and support from the college, the project marks the largest fundraising campaign in the zoo’s 50-year history.
“The amount of energy dedicated to this project is a testament to our commitment to Neil and Karma, whom we rescued, raised and have seen grow,” said Mara Rodriguez, the zoo’s development coordinator. Neil was rescued from the pet trade and found his forever home at The Teaching Zoo after a long battle in Los Angeles Superior Court. “We hope that Neil and Karma serve as ambassadors for tigers worldwide, inspiring an interest in conserving this magnificent species. There is no better way to spark that interest than through personal connection, which is what Rajah’s Retreat aims to provide.”
For more information about the grand opening event and Rajah’s Retreat, please contact Mara Rodriguez at 818-439-4966.
About The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College — The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College serves as a dynamic, living classroom for the renowned Animal Care and Training program at Moorpark College. For five decades, this esteemed program has been at the forefront of training animal care professionals and remains a leading course of study at the college. For more information, https://zoo.moorparkcollege.edu/