Tigers are among the most iconic zoo animals - welfare science for captive tigers and their role in conservation breeding requires careful evaluation.
Tiger welfare in zoos requires environments that allow expression of large carnivore behaviour - stalking, hunting simulation, marking, and territorial behaviour. Barren, small enclosures produce obvious welfare failures visible to any observer. Modern best-practice tiger facilities provide large, complex enclosures with varied terrain, live prey enrichment, and minimal visitor intrusion. The conservation role of zoo tigers is debated - there is no current reintroduction programme at scale. Welfare must be the primary justification for individual animals held; conservation education is a secondary benefit.