Amur (Siberian) tigers are the world's largest cats, with wild populations recovering in the Russian Far East. Captive welfare requires exceptional space, appropriate substrate, and careful social management for this solitary apex predator.
Amur tiger welfare in captivity sits against the backdrop of one of conservation's greatest success stories in the wild. The stark contrast between recovering wild populations in Russia's Sikhote-Alin and the welfare conditions of privately held tigers in inadequate US facilities illustrates the full spectrum of captive tiger welfare. In accredited zoos, space limitations are partly offset by high-quality enrichment, pool access, and experienced care. Private ownership tigers often lack even basic species-appropriate conditions. The Big Cat Public Safety Act (US, 2022) has begun addressing private tiger welfare, but enforcement and sanctuary capacity for rescued animals remain challenges.