Stunning Sumatran tiger cub makes debut at Chester Zoo

PA

A beautiful newborn Sumatran tiger cub made its debut at Chester Zoo yesterday.

The month-old baby is one of three cubs born to mum Kirana and dad Fabi October at the conservation charity.

And it certainly didn't disappoint the lucky visitors who saw it lovingly carried and cuddled by its mum.

The births are a huge cause for celebration, as there are only around 400 Sumatran tigers left in the wild, with the species still hunted for traditional medicine on its native Indonesian island of Sumatra.

PA

Tim Rowlands, the zoo's Curator of Mammals, said: 'Sumatran tigers can only be found on the Indonesian island of Sumatra are one of the rarest big cat species in the world.

'It's estimated that there are just a few hundred left in the wild and only around seven per cent of their original habitat remains, which is why these triplets are so, so important.

'To think they're now part of a safety-net in case wild populations go extinct is pretty remarkable and quite humbling.

'We are thrilled, Kirana is very happy and we are sure our visitors will be equally delighted.'

PA

Rowlands also complimented Kirana on her parenting sklls, adding: 'Kirana is so far doing a great job.

'She has started to take the cubs out and about every now and then having looked after them inside her den for the last three weeks and is being a very attentive mum.'

The babies won't be named until the keepers can discover the sexes of the tiger triplets in a few weeks' time.

Chester Zoo has over 7000 animals from 400 species on its 110 acres, and attracts 1.4 million visitors a year.

Plan your trip to to see the tiger triplets by visiting chesterzoo.org


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