Endangered Sumatran tiger cubs born at a Florida zoo

Two critically endangered tigers cubs have been born at a Florida zoo. 

The male Sumatran tiger cubs were born weighing 4.5lb each at the Jacksonville Zoo on November 20, marking the zoo’s second of such births in its 102-year history.

The cubs will not be on exhibit for several months as they still require a series of health examinations and vaccinations.

Two male Sumatran tiger cubs were born weighing 4.5lb each at the Jacksonville Zoo on November 20, marking the zoo’s second of such births in its 102-year history

The cubs will not be on exhibit for several months as they still require a series of health examinations and vaccinations

The cubs will not be on exhibit for several months as they still require a series of health examinations and vaccinations

There are currently less than 400 Sumatran tigers in the wild

The Jacksonville Zoo is part of a network of facilities working to maintain the population

There are currently less than 400 Sumatran tigers in the wild, and the Jacksonville Zoo is part of a network of facilities working to maintain the population

Before the cubs go on display at the zoo, they are in the care of veterinarians, who give them exams and ensure they're healthy

Before the cubs go on display at the zoo, they are in the care of veterinarians, who give them exams and ensure they’re healthy

There are currently less than 400 Sumatran tigers in the wild, and the Jacksonville Zoo is part of a network of facilities working to maintain the population. 

This is the second litter for six-year-old female tiger Dorcas, and the cubs’ father, Berani. 

They gave birth to the zoo’s first cub in the Zoo’s history, Kinleigh Rose, two years ago. 

Along with health exams and vaccinations, the cubs have to gain strength, bond with their mother and go through a swim test before going on display.  

This is the second litter for six-year-old female tiger Dorcas

The cubs' father, Berani

This is the second litter for six-year-old female tiger Dorcas (left), and the cubs’ father, Berani (right)

Along with health exams and vaccinations, the cubs have to gain strength, bond with their mother and go through a swim test before going on display 

Along with health exams and vaccinations, the cubs have to gain strength, bond with their mother and go through a swim test before going on display 

A live feed of their next box is available for zoo visitors to watch from the tiger viewing building

A live feed of their next box is available for zoo visitors to watch from the tiger viewing building

The cubs' (one pictured above) parents gave birth to the zoo's first cub in the Zoo's history, Kinleigh Rose, two years ago

The cubs’ (one pictured above) parents gave birth to the zoo’s first cub in the Zoo’s history, Kinleigh Rose, two years ago

Meanwhile, a live feed of their next box is available for zoo visitors to watch from the tiger viewing building.  

Dan Dembiec, Supervisor of Mammals, said: ‘One of the biggest pleasures as the Zoo’s tiger-management program evolves, is watching the effect that it has on the wellness of our animals.

said. ‘Dorcas started out as a skittish and shy tigress, but she is now a confident and skilled mother.

‘She is a natural at providing her cubs with the necessary care to help them develop, and this is reflective of the care that she has received from the staff at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.’ 



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