Three Sumatran tiger cubs take first steps outside den at UK wildlife park
Canterbury, Kent: Three Sumatran tiger cubs have taken their first steps outside the maternity den at Howletts Wild Animal Park in Canterbury, Kent, marking a milestone for conservation of the Critically Endangered subspecies.
Born on April 9 to first-time mother Tipah and father Nakal, the litter includes two females and one male. Now two months old, the cubs spent their early weeks indoors before beginning to explore their outdoor enclosure in recent days.
Fewer than 400 Sumatran tigers are estimated to remain in the wilds of Indonesia, according to the IUCN. Howletts said the birth represents an important step for conservation efforts outside the species’ natural habitat.
“Tipah has shown calmness, patience and a natural ability to be a fantastic mom,” said Richard Langston, Head of Carnivores at Howletts. “She keeps watch from a platform while the cubs do what cubs do best — jumping, biting and playing.”
Captive breeding programs have played a key role in protecting Sumatran tigers. Similar births have been recorded at Wroclaw Zoo and San Diego Zoo in recent years.
