We’re totally in love with these adorable new tiger cubs that were born just five weeks ago at Taronga Zoo. The birth of these three critically endangered Sumatran Tiger cubs is hailed as an incredible success for the increasingly rare species, of which as few as 350 remain in the Sumatran jungle.
The cubs are increasingly rare in the wild, after devastating jungle clearing for unsustainable palm oil plantations and the illegal wildlife trade. To help prevent the extinction of this species, the regional breeding program has seen 21 births since October 1980, to ensure genetic diversity for regional insurance populations in zoos across Australasia.
Taronga Zoo says, ‘These photos were taken as carnivore keepers weighed the three cubs to monitor their growth and development. They are doing well, still suckling milk from their mother, named Kartika, and keepers anticipate the cubs will begin trying solid foods in coming weeks.’
Carnivore keeper Courtney Ross with one of the triplets
Carnivore keeper Dannielle Haylock
Just 3.6 kilos!
Photos by Amanda Everett
More on the Zoo…
- Virtual zoos: Taronga Zoo Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo go online!
- First look! The Wildlife Retreat
- It’s a girl! Rare, incredible baby Gorilla born
- Trip to the Zoo: Tiger Trek at Taronga
- $40 million hotel approved for Zoo
