Tiger cubs make debut

THE only remaining sign of the Celtic Tiger these days can be found at Dublin Zoo, where two Sumatran cubs born on May 29 to mother Sigra were officially introduced by the zoo yesterday.

The nine-week-old cubs are the result of an international breeding programme that seeks to preserve one of the most endangered animal species in the world.

There are as few as 400 Sumatran tigers surviving in the wild.

Speaking about this most significant birth, zoo director, Leo Oosterweghel said: “You never know what is going to happen when you introduce two big cats – so we are delighted with this spectacular result.

“The bigger picture is, of course, that these cubs will help us to introduce our visitors to the plight of this critically endangered cat, as well as making a huge contribution to the global breeding programme.”

The keepers at Dublin Zoo are delighted with how the siblings are progressing and are keeping a close eye on the cubs developing personalities. The female cub is said to be a “very intelligent and inquisitive creature”, while the male is already displaying his father’s traits with a “boisterous nature” and a striking, masculine appearance.

The family appear to be bonding very well, and although it’s unusual for the mother, father and cubs to be a unit, they are already displaying a natural connection. Dad, Kepala, is playing an active role and is taking his fatherly duties very seriously.

Dublin Zoo plays a significant role in the international breeding programme which is designed to ensure the survival of tigers in their natural habitat. As well as contributing to this breeding programme visitors to Dublin Zoo have the opportunity to support these critically endangered species by purchasing a tiger adoption pack at Dublin Zoo gift shop.

Visitors to Dublin Zoo will be able to see the new tiger cubs, alongside their mother Sigra and father Kepala from today.

* For info on the tigers, visit www.dublinzoo.ie