Father Dash (pictured) and mother Kasarna have welcomed twin cubs
(Picture: Chester Zoo / PA Media)Chester Zoo has welcomed the arrival of twin Sumatran tiger cubs, dubbing the birth a “significant step forward”, as they are the world’s rarest tiger subspecies.
Hidden cameras captured the twin’s birth on January 7, welcomed by first-time parents Dash and Kasarnaon.
Since their arrival, the family have been seen bonding together in their den, with all their loveable antics caught on CCTV by Chester Zoo.
Tiger cubs born at Chester Zoo! 📣 🙌
— Chester Zoo (@chesterzoo) February 15, 2023
⁰⁰We’re delighted to share that two incredibly rare Sumatran tiger cubs have been born!⁰⁰ 🐯
Our hidden cameras captured first time mum Kasarna and her adorable new arrivals soon after birth on January 7 🎥 pic.twitter.com/iiXDoc91jM
Sumatran tiger listed as critically endangered
The Sumatran tiger originated from the Indonesian island of Sumatra and it is the only surviving tiger population in the Sunda Islands.
The Sumatran is one of the smallest breeds of tiger, and is darker in colour with broader stripes.
They are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss caused by expansion of palm oil plantations, deforestation, prey-base depletion, and illegal trade primarily for the domestic market.
The tigers are categorised as the most severe conservation category and highest priority, with only 350 remaining in the wild.
The birth of the twin cubs has been called “absolutely crucial” to the species’ survival by director of animals and plants Mike Jordan.
He said: “They are the latest additions to an insurance population in conservation zoos that will be the driving force in preventing the Sumatran tiger from enduring the same fate as the Javan, Caspian, and Balinese tigers, which have all, sadly, been wiped out forever.”
Chester Zoo’s carnivore team manager, Dave Hall, said of the twin’s arrival: “The birth of two more healthy Sumatran tiger cubs is another significant step forward in the long-term efforts to protect these incredible animals.
“One day, the pair will hopefully go on to themselves make a vital contribution to the endangered species breeding programme, which is now playing a critical role in preventing these majestic animals from becoming extinct.”
Chester Zoo is no stranger to birthing endangered species after an endangered Western chimpanzee, a critically endangered lemur, a rare tree kangaroo, and a Malayan tapir were all welcomed recently.
