‘A landmark moment’: Cork's Fota Wildlife Park announces birth of tiger and lion cubs
Fota Wildlife Park has announced the birth of two critically endangered Sumatran tiger cubs, in what was described as “a landmark moment in its conservation breeding work”. The arrival of the cubs, born on June 16 to mother Jambi and father Batak, marks the first time more than one cub has been born in a single litter at the park. Photo: Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO
Fota Wildlife Park has announced the birth of two critically endangered Sumatran tiger cubs, in what was described as “a landmark moment in its conservation breeding work”.
The arrival of the cubs, born on June 16 to mother Jambi and father Batak, marks the first time more than one cub has been born in a single litter at the park.
Fota has also confirmed the arrival of three endangered Asian lion cubs, born on July 1 to mother Arya and father Yali.
The birth marks nine-year-old Arya’s second litter with Yali, who is 10 years old.
Sumatran tigers and Asian lions face ongoing threats in the wild, including habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict and poaching.
The Sumatran tiger is classified as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, the highest threat category before extinction in the wild, with fewer than 350 individuals estimated to remain in their native habitat.
The Asian lion is classified as endangered by the IUCN and survives today in only one wild population, located in India’s Gir Forest.
Lead ranger, John Leahy said the park is “absolutely thrilled” to announce the birth of both sets of cubs.
“We’ve had members of the public asking about the noises, the squeaks and everything they’re hearing over the past few weeks from the Asian Sanctuary.
“So, we’re delighted to confirm these exciting births at the Park.
“The cubs are currently getting the developmental space they need with their respective mothers, so they are not on public view as yet,” he said.
Mr Leahy said both mothers and their cubs are doing very well.
“It's Jambi the Sumatran tiger’s first time being a mother, and she's been amazing.
“The two tiger cubs are feeding really well.
“At this stage of their growth, we really take a hands-off approach and allow the young cubs to nurse naturally.
“Jambi has kept them mostly in their house and only brings them out in the evenings, after the park has closed, when the temperatures have cooled.
“Arya, the lioness, has been an incredibly protective and attentive mother.
“She gave birth in the den, which faces the visitor viewing area, and we have to restrict the area for now to allow her the privacy and space she needs while nursing and caring for her cubs.
“As a result, the cubs are not visible publicly, but we hope to reopen access within the next few weeks as they continue to settle.”
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