Discovery Kingdom to open new tiger exhibit

Last week Six Flags Discovery Kingdom unveiled plans to create Odin's Temple of the Tiger — an exciting new exhibit that will showcase the park's 11 tigers including Odin, the internationally-acclaimed white Bengal tiger and two recently acquired tiger cubs.  The attraction is scheduled to open in spring 2009 in the park's LAND area. [via ThrillNetwork}

From the Press Release:

Odin's Temple of the Tiger will be housed in the former Jungle Theater, redesigned to create a more expansive area for the cats with improved arena seating to enhance guest observation.  The focal point of the stage will be a pool with an underwater viewing window offering a unique platform to observe the tigers submerged in water.

Guests will have several opportunities throughout the day to visit Odin's Temple of the Tiger and experience the strength and beauty of these animals up close.  Multiple shows will take place each day and during off-show hours the theater will serve as an outdoor exhibit for all the park's tigers.  This exciting new attraction will demonstrate tigers' natural behaviors and highlight their affinity for water and agility on land.

"Tigers are among the most powerful and iconic animals on earth," said
Eric Gilbert, Park President.  "Like many of our attractions, Odin's Temple of the Tiger designed to create a unique opportunity for our guests to experience these amazing animals in a controlled environment.  We strive to create animal-human encounters unlike any other."

The attraction will be focused around the park's white Bengal tiger, Odin who exploded onto the national and international scene last year with the publication of photos of him — diving underwater for chunks of red meat — in a UK newspaper.  Those images were soon followed by coverage from the Associated Press, Getty News Images, News Ltd., Sports Illustrated and In Touch Magazine.
"Odin became a phenomenon last year and Odin's Temple of the Tiger is a natural extension of what is clearly becoming the Odin Brand," said Gilbert.  "We're excited to have this unique platform to discuss the importance of tiger conservation and to have in our care a wonderful ambassador to help spread the message."

The park has also recently acquired two young tiger cubs, a white Bengal male and a female Bengal tiger that are currently being hand raised.  The pair will be introduced to the public in the coming months and will part of the Odin's Temple of the Tiger experience next year.  Guests will also be able to view the animals relaxing or playing in an all new grassy playground yard.  This second off-exhibit exercise area will allow staff to rotate tigers from their individual backstage enclosures throughout each day.

Odin's Temple of the Tiger is scheduled to open at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in spring 2009.