A hidden camera caught the moment a critically endangered tiger gave birth to a pair of cubs.
Chester Zoo welcomed the birth of the Sumatran tiger cub twins last month and said it represented a "significant step" in the conservation of the species. Sumatran tigers are listed as critically endangered, with less than 350 of the species living in the wild.
Staff at the zoo said the birth was a "real privilege" to see and said it will be "really exciting" to see the animals grow. The cubs have not yet been named or sexed but will be once they start to build confidence and travel outside, says the zoo.
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They are the first offspring of mum Kasarna and dad Dash. Footage taken by hidden cameras captured the births of the cubs, as well as the parents touching first moments with their new offspring.
Dave Hall, carnivore team manager at Chester Zoo said: "We’ve been closely monitoring Kasarna on our CCTV cameras as she get to grips with motherhood and her first litter of cubs. It’s a real privilege and incredibly special to watch.
"She’s a great mum and is being very attentive to her new babies, keeping them snuggled up in the den and feeding them every few hours. It won’t be long until they gain enough confidence to start venturing outside for the very first time as a family, which is really exciting.
"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."
Mike Jordan, director of animals and plants at Chester Zoo said the births are "absolutely crucial" to the survival of the species. He said: "Today there are fewer than 350 Sumatran tigers living in the wild, so Kasarna’s two cubs are absolutely crucial to the survival of the species.
"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."
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