Rare tiger gives birth to triplets

SUMATRAN tigers Sigra and Indah, as the proud parents of triplets, have made their small but significant contribution to the preservation of one of the world’s most endangered species.

Cubs Satu, Dua and Tiga were born in Dublin Zoo three weeks ago, joining a worldwide community of less than 830. Mother Sigra, on loan to the zoo, mated with long-term resident Indah to produce the cubs, born on March 27.

There are less than 500 Sumatran tigers in the wild and 330 in various zoos. Over a five-year period to 2002, about 250 were illegally killed by hunters cashing in on a market for skins and body parts used in traditional medicine in Asia.