After the popularity of Moo Deng the pygmy hippo, it’s now Ava the tiger’s turn to capture hearts worldwide. Naturally, netizens are eager to learn all about this adorable golden tiger from a Thailand zoo and why she has become an online sensation.
Here’s everything we know about Ava and where she’s from.
Who is Ava, 3-year-old tiger?
Ava is a three-year-old golden tiger residing at the Chiang Mai Night Safari zoo in northern Thailand. She has recently risen to global fame after her social media debut on November 19, 2024.
The zoo shared photos of Ava on their official Facebook page, where she quickly garnered over 34,000 likes in just two days. Her round, fluffy face and soft, golden fur – a result of a rare recessive gene – have enchanted the internet.
Ava and her sister, Luna, were born on February 16, 2021. While Luna made her debut first, Ava followed three weeks later. Their parents, brought to the safari park from the Czech Republic and South Africa in July 2015, are also golden tigers, a rare variant of the Bengal tiger species.
Golden tigers are distinguished by their unique coloration, caused by a recessive color-changing gene. Estimates suggest that only about 30 such tigers exist in captivity today, making them even rarer than white tigers.
Ava’s charming and gentle appearance has made her a viral sensation. Netizens have compared her to the earlier viral star Moo Deng, the pygmy hippo, who captured hearts earlier this year. One user humorously remarked, “First Moo Deng, now Ava? Thailand is winning the cutest animals award!”
Many have noted Ava’s soft and cuddly demeanor, which contrasts with her status as an apex predator. Her expressive green eyes and distinctive fur pattern add to her unique appeal. Fans eager to see Ava and her sister Luna in person can visit the Tiger World zone at the Chiang Mai Night Safari. The exhibit is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. According to caretakers, the two tigers are sociable and approachable, further endearing them to visitors.
