Rare Footage: Sumatran Tiger Twins
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The Sumatran tiger is one of the rarest tiger subspecies in the world. It is believed that only 350 individuals remain in the wild.
New hopes for this endangered species have been raised after the birth of not one, but two tigers at Chester Zoo. Charming tiger cubs were born on January 7th.
The cubs emerged from their den for the first time this week, and photographers captured the moment.
“The cubs are still a bit shy and go in and out of the den with mum Kasara, but it will be a real privilege for us to watch them build their confidence,” said Deina Thain, Chester Zookeeper.
Sumatran or Sunda tigers are the smallest surviving subspecies of tiger and are distinguished by wide black stripes on an orange coat.
It is estimated that fewer than 400 tigers remain in the wild on Sumatra, largely due to deforestation and poaching.
The twin cubs remained in their lair for the first three months, where they were closely watched by their parents, as well as by zookeepers using CCTV cameras.
“We kept a close eye on Kasara with our CCTV cameras as she settled into motherhood and her first litter,” said Dave Hall, manager of the Chester Zoo’s raptor team, after the cubs were born in January.
However, the adorable cubs have now ventured into a “brawl” that has allowed zoo staff to identify them as females.
Zookeepers named one cub Alif, a popular name in Indonesia, and the other Raya, after Mount Raya in Sumatra.
“The survival of these animals in Sumatra hangs in the balance,” said Deina Thein.
“This is one of the rarest subspecies of tigers in the world, so seeing these two tiger cubs thrive here is amazing. It is important to note that with so few Sumatran tigers left on the planet, the Kasarna girls are a vital addition to the conservation and breeding program that is being pursued relentlessly to prevent the extinction of this species.”
Christina Denisyuk.
Source: dailymail.co.uk
Message Rare Footage: Sumatran Tiger Twins first appeared on Moscow truth.
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