A RARE Amur tiger has become the latest addition to Blair Drummond Safari Park's animal family.

Vitali, a 17-month-old male, was transferred to the Stirling-shire park from Germany and joins four-year-old female tiger Hope.

Blair Drummond’s head keeper, Brian Reid, said: “We are delighted to have Vitali join us at the Safari Park.

"He is a beautiful tiger and has settled well into his new surroundings.

"Hope is responding positively to the company of another tiger.

"They spend the majority of their time together and Vitali has very quickly adapted to his new routines.”

The Amur tiger is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List.

Blair Drummond is part of an international breeding programme working to maintain successful and genetically viable populations of endangered animals across Europe.

Vitali's transfer was recommended by the European Endangered Species programme, and will contribute towards that work.

Sheila Walker, animal collections manager, said: “Male tigers usually reach sexual maturity at about 4–5 years old, so it will be a few years before Vitali will be old enough to breed.

"Brian has a great team working with him and they spend a lot of time providing enrichment to stimulate natural behaviours."

Anyone looking to watch and learn more about Vitali and Hope will be able to do so when Blair Drummond Safari Park reopens to the public on Saturday, March 23.