Cubs’ Arrival Increases the Population of this Critically Endangered Species

SAN DIEGO (July 27, 2023) — San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is celebrating the birth of two Sumatran tiger cubs—the first of this critically endangered species to be born at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s Tull Family Tiger Trail habitat in seven years. Their birth also comes just in time for Global Tiger Day. With only an estimated 400 to 600 Sumatran tigers remaining on Earth, the births are significant in increasing the worldwide population of this tiger species and furthering the nonprofit conservation organization’s ongoing work to conserve them.

Sumatran Tiger Delilah’s trio of cubs are growing fast and feisty at Adelaide Zoo, well if that’s what you call rolling around on your tummy and nibbling mum’s tail!

The latest vision, taken by Senior Keeper of Large Carnivores and Ungulates, Arliah Hayward shows the one boy and two girls playfully climbing on top of mum inside their private indoor area.

Cub cam! CCTV cameras have captured the FIRST glimpse of rare Sumatran tiger twins born at Chester Zoo

Hidden cameras have captured a first glimpse of two rare Sumatran tiger cubs born at Chester Zoo.

The tiny twins were born to first time parents Kasarna and Dash on 7 January and the new family has since been bonding in their den – with all of their adorable early life antics caught by the zoo’s CCTV cameras.

Doting Sumatran Tiger dad, Kembali, has ripped open some meat-filled enrichment to share the genders of his three cubs!

After tearing through the colourful enrichment created by Adelaide Zoo's BEEZA (Behaviour and Environmental Enrichment of Zoo Animals) team, he revealed the cubs’ sexes (see the reveal at the end of this clip).

The cubs were sexed during their first health check last week with Adelaide Zoo’s dedicated keepers and veterinary team.

The first ever critically-endangered Sumatran Tiger cubs to be born at Adelaide Zoo have arrived safe, sound and extremely snuggly in the Year of the Tiger.

“There’s a whole puddle of stripy little legs, arms and tails in the cubbing den at the moment. It’s the best gift ever,” said an elated Elaine Bensted, CE of Zoos SA. 

“This is a significant moment in conservation as the Sumatran Tiger species has less than 400 adults surviving in the wild. 

“Delilah and Kembali’s cubs are vital to ensuring strong genetics in the breeding program and indeed the future of the species.

ZSL London Zoo’s trio of tiger cubs have had their visit from the Zoo’s veterinarians, who were finally able to confirm the sexes of the stripy babies – two males and a female! 

ZSL veterinarian Dr Ellie Milnes gave each cub a thorough nose-to-tail examination, checking their eyes, teeth, heart, and overall physical health as well as weighing each cub. All three were given a clean bill of health, and their information added to the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), a database shared with zoos all over the world that helps zookeepers and conservationists to compare important information on thousands of endangered species.   

Zoo officials today announced female Amur tiger cub, Helina, made her grand debut at the Indianapolis Zoo! She was very curious about her new surroundings and made sure to climb, sniff and explore her new habitat, thrilling guests who were on hand to see her debut.

Yesterday, the Zoo prepped the public for the debut with this announcement on social media:

“We have some grrr-reat news to share! The tiger cubs are making their public debut this week! 🐯 This Friday at 9:30am, you could have the purr-fect opportunity to see our adorable cubs venture out into their new habitat!

The Sumatran tiger is one of the most endangered big cats on earth. At Tierpark Berlin, there is now a new glimmer of hope for the preservation of the entire species: Female tiger Mayang (11) gave birth to two cubs at the beginning of September. After a sad setback with a previous litter (all four young tigers were born with a genetic disease) the zoo team is now particularly happy.

Get ready for double the cuteness! Beginning Friday, September 9, OKC Zoo guests will have an opportunity to view the Zoo’s critically endangered Sumatran tiger cub siblings, Luna and Bob, along with their mom, Lola, at their Cat Forest habitat. Mom and cubs will be viewable from 9 to 11 a.m. daily.

OKC Zoo’s Sumatran tiger twins are doing great and had a wellness exam a couple of weeks ago! The exam took place Friday, August 19. 

According to the OKC Zoo veterinary care team, both cubs are healthy. They received their first round of vaccinations. The male cub, Bob, weighed 11.6 pounds and his sister, Luna, weighed 10 pounds.

Performing the exam is Daniela Yuschenkoff DVM, the Oklahoma City Zoo’s Veterinary Resident