Tiger Habitat - A Home for Rescued Cats

A stop on Oakland Zoo: Savanna to California Trail, a free self-guided tour.

This habitat, with pools, a waterfall and raised platforms, is set aside for rescued tigers. The zoo does not breed tigers; for about 30 years it has used this space for big cats taken from roadside zoos and other poor conditions.

In 2026 the zoo helped rescue five tigers from a shuttered facility in Oroville, placing several with sanctuaries and bringing an older female to live here. She needed intensive veterinary care when she arrived, so she may be on view only at limited times or not at all while she adjusts.

Tigers are the largest cats on Earth, and fewer than about 5,600 remain in the wild, while thousands more live in private hands in the United States. Look along the platforms and the water's edge: unlike most cats, tigers enjoy a swim.

Getting here: Walk north through the rainforest past the siamangs and tamarins to the tiger viewing area.

Did you know?: No two tigers have the same stripes, and the stripes are on their skin as well as their fur.

Photo op: If the tiger is out, shoot toward the pool; a tiger lounging in water is a rare and striking picture.

For kids: Tigers love water. Can you name another cat that likes to swim? Most house cats do not!

Nearby: Safari Cafe and restrooms are a short walk east in the Rides Area.

Tiger Habitat - A Home for Rescued Cats

Stops on this tour