For the first time in 70 years - tigress Ümit released into the wild in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has released an Amur tigress named Ümit into the Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve, a significant moment marking the return of tigers to the country after a 70-year absence. This event signifies the initial phase of an ambitious program aimed at re-establishing the tiger population in its ancestral lands.

The Ile-Balkhash region, historically home to the Turan tiger, offers ideal conditions with its riparian forests and abundant prey. However, the species vanished by the mid-20th century due to habitat destruction, declining prey numbers, and poaching. The last confirmed sightings occurred over seven decades ago.

Ümit underwent thorough veterinary assessments to ensure her readiness for wild life. She is now equipped with a satellite GPS/GSM collar, enabling continuous monitoring of her movements and adaptation by experts. This technology, along with camera traps, will provide crucial data on her integration into the new territory.

This reintroduction is the culmination of over a decade of preparation. The government has focused on restoring the ecosystem, boosting wild ungulate populations, and creating suitable habitats. A group of four Amur tigers, including two adults and two cubs, arrived in May 2026 and are undergoing adaptation. The program's ultimate goal is to establish a sustainable tiger population in the Ili River delta and southern Balkhash region.