Taronga Zoo announces the birth of three rare Tiger Cubs

Taronga Zoo Sydney have announced the birth of three critically endangered Sumatran Tiger cubs. With as few as 350 Sumatran Tigers left in the wild, the birth of these cubs is an incredible success story for this rare species.

Taronga Zoo’s released footage of the birth of three rare Sumatran tiger cubs can be viewed below.

First-time mother Kartika gave birth to the cubs on 17th January. The cubs’ father, Clarence, was carefully introduced to Kartika in October 2018 to determine their compatibility.

The biggest threats to this species in the wild is habitat loss due to unsustainable palm oil plantations and the illegal wildlife trade. To help prevent the extinction of this species, Taronga is part of a regional breeding program and since October 1980, 21 tigers have been born at Taronga. 

The zoo’s Carnivore Keepers are happy to report that first-time mum Kartika is doing well. It’s still early days in the cubs' development and keepers are monitoring their progress closely. Right now the cubs are growing and suckling for milk.

Keepers expect that over the next four to six weeks, the cubs will find their feet, groom and play more with each other. The cubs, yet to be named, are expected to make their first appearance to the public in late March.