Skopje, 18 September 2023 (MIA) — On Sept. 18, World Bamboo Day, the Skopje Zoo tiger enclosure was enriched with bamboo trees and exotic grasses so that it would resemble a tiger's natural habitat, according to the zoo in a press release.

The bamboo plants were donated by Hans Em Faculty of Forest Sciences, Landscape Architecture and Environmental Engineering. The exotic grasses and other plants were donated by Foja Gardening Center. Their staff also helped with the planting and landscaping.

"The Skopje Zoo is one of our city's symbols," the release says.

"It is home to numerous exotic animals from different parts of the world, which deserve to live in a well-kept and authentic space, very close to their natural environment."

It adds that bamboos, pampas grasses, and other exotic plants are some of the hardiest, fastest-growing grasses, and will provide the denser vegetation that tigers prefer, "in a calm area, always near water."

"Although protected worldwide, tigers are considered a seriously endangered species. Only in the last century, their population has decreased by more than 90 percent, and two subspecies are considered extinct," the Skopje Zoo release says, adding that any donations to improve the animals' living conditions are welcome. mr/