In a valuable milestone for the conservation of the Sumatran tiger subspecies, 3 cubs born to a UK zoo have grown old enough to venture out from the maternity den into the enclosure.
It’s thought there are less than 400 Sumatran tigers remaining in the wilds of Indonesia, and they are considered Critically-Endangered by the IUCN.
Howletts Wild Animal Park, in Canterbury, Kent, said the cubs’ births represent an important step forward for the conservation of this cat beyond its natural habitat.
The 3 cubs, 2 girls and 1 boy, were born to first-time mom Tipah and dad Nakal and are just 2 months old.
They were born on April 9th and spent their first few weeks with mom Tipah in their den—but in recent weeks have begun to venture outside to the delight of a photographer there to capture their sensory overload.
“Tipah has taken every step of this journey with calmness, patience and a natural ability to be a fantastic mom,” said Head of Carnivores at Howletts Richard Langston said.
“She spends most of her time up on a platform keeping a watchful eye on them while enjoying a little respite from all the jumping, biting and playing that comes with raising energetic tiger cubs.”
GNN has reported on this cat being born in zoos before—at the Wroclaw and San Diego zoos. It’s considered an important priority animal for captive breeding programs, which have saved many species from extinction in the past.
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The park added the cubs were becoming increasingly bold and playful, exploring more of their surroundings and beginning to show their individual personalities.
One cub has already developed an independent streak, often choosing to spend time away from its siblings.
