credit – Wroclaw Zoo, released.

The birth of four tiger cubs at the Wrocław Zoo had to be kept a close secret—such was the scale of the news and the impact it would likely have on the zoo-going public.

Nuri, the cub’s mother, carried four healthy babies to term on July 22nd, and with the unlooked-for care and attention of their father Tengah, these Critically-Endangered cubs were raised in seclusion.

credit – Wroclaw Zoo, released.

Now the news is out—one of the most endangered subspecies of tiger has four healthy new members, and you can go see them explore their world at the Wrocław Zoo.

The Indonesian island of Sumatra is one of the most intact in terms of rainforest in the country. It has allowed the Sumatran tiger to live on while other Sunda subspecies like the Javan tiger have gone extinct.

It is roughly estimated that they number 400 and falling, meaning that the four cubs at the Wrocław Zoo, which are now 3 months old, represent about 1% of the total wild population.

“The birth of four Sumatran tigers is the greatest breeding success in recent years and an unprecedented event—a true global sensation. I applaud the efforts of the zoo’s staff, especially the carnivore keepers, whose work ensures the young develop healthily and contribute to the conservation of this endangered subspecies,” said Wrocław’s Mayor, Jacek Sutryk.

They number 3 males and 1 female, which could represent a boon to Sumatran tiger breeding programs across Europe as currently the females significantly outnumber the males.

50 zoos are currently safeguarding this animal from extinction as Sumatra works to protect forests and eliminate poaching.

credit – Wroclaw Zoo, released.

credit – Wroclaw Zoo, released.

“What’s interesting is that Tengah, the cubs’ father, has been involved from the start, which is unusual for tigers. He has been calm, gentle, and even helped Nuri care for the cubs, learning how to ‘handle’ the young. Currently, the cubs weigh over 8 kg, are growing well, and show no health issues,” explained Paweł Sroka, Curator of Carnivores at ZOO Wrocław.

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Proceeds from the zoo go to a poacher patrol program in Sumatra’s Kerinci Seblat National Park, which has seen 70 poachers arrested and funded local education initiatives about alternative livelihoods.

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