At Chelyabinsk Zoo, lioness Lola has recently welcomed triplet cubs, adding to the joy of animal lovers worldwide. Meanwhile, over at Banham Zoo in Norfolk, a heartwarming scene unfolds as a small wild tiger cub plays with its mother.
Born to first-time mother Mishka, aged six, on October 7, the Amur tiger cubs, a brother, and a sister, have captured the attention of zoo visitors and staff alike. Despite their growing fame, the cubs are yet to be named, with keepers announcing their genders this week – one male and one female.
The Amur tiger, also known as the Siberian tiger, faces a precarious existence in the wild, with only around 500 individuals left. Classified as endangered, every birth in captivity brings hope for the conservation of this magnificent species.
At seven weeks old, the tiger cubs have begun to explore their enclosure under the watchful eye of their mother, Mishka. Mishka, who arrived at Banham Zoo from Woburn Safari Park in May as part of the European Breeding Programme, was identified as a genetically compatible mate for the zoo’s resident male Amur tiger, Kuzma, aged 13.
Amur tigers are renowned as the largest of the world’s big cats, with adult males reaching weights of up to 360kg and lengths of 2.3 meters. Found primarily in Russia, these solitary animals inhabit forests and mark their territories to communicate with other tigers.
To provide the cubs with a safe and nurturing environment, keepers at Banham Zoo have equipped Mishka with a purpose-built cubbing box inside one of the dens. Oliver Lewis-McDonald, team leader of carnivores, notes that both cubs are developing well, confidently navigating between their indoor dens.
Despite their young age, the cubs are already displaying distinct personalities. While the female cub exhibits slightly more confidence and vocalizes more, her brother is not far behind in exploring their surroundings.
As the cubs continue to grow and explore, they recently ventured outside their den for the first time this month, experiencing the outdoor enclosure under Mishka’s watchful gaze. They also had their first encounter with their father, Kuzma, a moment carefully managed to ensure a smooth introduction.
Mr. Lewis-McDonald describes Kuzma’s reaction as cautious, opting to let Mishka initiate contact with the cubs. However, as the cubs become more mobile, it’s expected that Kuzma will become a subject of fascination for them, with the trio likely to spend more time together in the future.
