Endangered Sumatran tiger cubs born at Hamilton Zoo

Hamilton Zoo, located on New Zealand’s north island, welcomed the birth of two critically endangered Sumatran tiger cubs last week to Kirana (mother) and Scout (father) in the early hours of 3rd January 2024.

Hamilton Zoo announced that the two cubs are both healthy and strong. They are the first cubs born at Hamilton Zoo since the birth of Kirana and her brother Kembali in 2014.

Hamilton Zoo's Sumatran tiger, Scout was born at Australia Zoo and was previously kept at Christchurch’s Orana Wildlife Park, before he was brought to his Hamilton residence in August last year as part of a breeding programme to conserve the species.

Sumatran tigers’ pregnancies typically last just over 100 days, meaning conception was likely to have taken place towards the end of September.

Carnivore Team Leader Shane Fox said the team is very excited about the cubs, and while an image has been shared on social media, Fox advised it would be a little while before the public is able to see them.

Fox enthused “we’re excited about the new additions but the cubs have a lot of bonding and development to do with mum over the next few months before they’re ready to venture out on to public display.

“Keep an eye out on our socials for all the latest news, we look forward to sharing updates on their development with you.”

According to Auckland Zoo, who also recently welcomed two cubs, there are thought to be fewer than 400 Sumatran tigers left in the wild.

They are found only on the island of Sumatra, where they face habitat loss and poaching as their biggest threats.

Image top: Hamilton Zoo's Sumatran tiger cubs via Facebook; Hamilton Zoo's Sumatran tiger, Scout, was brought to the zoo as part of a breeding programme to conserve the species in 2023. Credit: Hamilton Zoo