Four Bengal tigers 'born in Malaysian zoo'

Four Siberian Bengal tiger cubs have been born in a zoo in southern Malaysia, a news report said today.

The cubs, born two weeks ago to eight-year-old Rainbow and her mate, 12-year-old Kumba, opened their eyes a few days ago, zoo caretaker J. Siva Priyan told The Star newspaper.

“With the love and dedication from our keepers, all four cubs have managed to survive,” Siva said.

The zoo cordoned off Rainbow’s cage and partially covered the sides with plastic sheets to allow Rainbow to nurse and bond with her young in peace, the report said.

Calls to the privately-owned Saleng Zoo – home to 18 tigers – rang unanswered today.

Siva said visitors to the zoo, near Johor Baru, will probably get their first glimpse of the cubs by Malaysia’s National Day on August 31.

“For now, we want the mother and her cubs to be comfortable,” he was quoted as saying by The Star.

Tigers have an average lifespan of about 25 years.