Five critically endangered tiger cubs born at Oklahoma zoo. See the siblings bond
The birth of five newborn tiger cubs added to a very small population of a critically endangered species this month.
There are fewer than 150 Malayan tigers in the wild and approximately 55 in captivity, according to the Tulsa Zoo in Oklahoma.
The five cubs — three male and two female — were born overnight Aug. 8 and Aug. 9 at the Tulsa zoo, according to an Aug. 15 news release.
The newborn siblings will bond with their mother, Ava, in a private area at the Tulsa Zoo until they are ready to safely navigate the exhibit viewable to the public, zoo experts said.
Ava, described as an “attentive mother,” previously gave birth to two litters of cubs, according to the news release.
She “is already showing signs of healthy bonding and maternal instincts, taking excellent care of the cubs,” the zoo said.
The zoo said the cubs’ father, Raja, provides some genetic diversity to the species.
“These five cubs are especially significant to the Malayan tiger population in AZA care because their father, Raja, is not represented within the population,” Zoological Curator of Mammals Jordan Piha said in the news release. “They increase the genetic diversity, which will help us ensure these critically endangered animals can survive for years to come.”
Of the 55 Malayan tigers partnered with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Malayan Tiger Species Survival Plan, the Tulsa Zoo cares for nine of the endangered tigers.
“I’m proud to see the vision we had for this facility come to fruition through the birth of these five healthy cubs,” Piha said.
Malayan tiger habitats have been threatened by habitat loss and poaching, according to the zoo. The species is native to the Malay Peninsula in southern Thailand, just north of Malaysia. These tigers are the national animal of Malaysia.
This story was originally published August 22, 2024 at 10:01 AM with the headline "Five critically endangered tiger cubs born at Oklahoma zoo. See the siblings bond."
