Endangered tiger cubs spend precious moments with mom at a Florida zoo, video shows
Three endangered tiger cubs spent precious moments with their mom at a Florida zoo, video shows.
Cinta the Malayan tiger can be seen watching over and caring for her tiny cubs after she gave birth Sunday, Nov. 5.
“Cinta has been very attentive to her babies, grooming and allowing the cubs to nurse, so we are giving them space while they get settled in and bond privately behind the scenes,” the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens wrote Nov. 9 on Facebook.
The wildlife park said the cubs will need to grow bigger before they can go out on exhibit, so it doesn’t know when they will make their debut. But it’s keeping an eye on the tiger family’s behavior.
“Our animal care staff continue to monitor them to ensure they are eating, sleeping and cuddling as they should,” the zoo wrote. “Just like with humans, there are potential risks. We remain cautiously optimistic and look forward to sharing updates.”
The little cubs play a big role in future of their species. Malayan tigers are “critically endangered,” with fewer than 150 estimated to be living in the wild, according to the animal park.
Malayan tigers are about 1 to 2 pounds at birth and can grow to weigh more than 200 pounds. The species is native to parts of Asia, according to the Houston Zoo and Tulsa Zoo.
”We are giving the cubs and mother space as they get settled in, so we will not know the weights or sexes for some weeks,” the Jacksonville Zoo told McClatchy News in an email.
The wildlife park didn’t immediately share the names of its newborn tigers with McClatchy News on Nov. 10.
This story was originally published November 10, 2023 at 9:25 AM with the headline "Endangered tiger cubs spend precious moments with mom at a Florida zoo, video shows."
