The Nyíregyháza Zoo has announced the birth of twin Sumatran tiger cubs (Panthera tigris sumatrae), one of the rarest tiger subspecies in the world. This achievement is the result of ten years of careful planning and collaboration across European zoos, according to the zoo’s director, László Gajdos.
Since 2015 the zoo has worked tirelessly to find the ideal breeding pair, bringing female tigers from multiple European zoos to join its resident male. Despite previous setbacks, including miscarriages and stillbirths, a breakthrough occurred with the pairing of Gio, a 13-year-old male, and Sabah, a four-year-old female. Their union has produced two healthy male cubs, marking a critical step in conserving this endangered species.
At four weeks old the cubs underwent their first veterinary examination following a quarantine period. The zoo’s veterinary team assessed their overall health, implanted identification chips, and administered vaccinations and deworming treatments. The cubs weighed 5 kg and 4.6 kg, respectively, during the check-up, indicating robust health.
The Sumatran tiger is not only the rarest tiger subspecies but also one of the most endangered animals on Earth. While wild populations of giant pandas are estimated at 2,000 to 3,000 individuals, fewer than 500 Sumatran tigers remain in the wild. This species, the smallest of the six living tiger subspecies, inhabits lowland and mountainous forests on the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
Decades of habitat destruction and poaching have driven Sumatran tigers to the brink of extinction. Their wild population, estimated at around 1,000 individuals in the 1970s, dwindled to approximately 250 by 1996, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Today 280 Sumatran tigers live in zoos worldwide, including four at the Nyíregyháza Zoo.
Starting this weekend, visitors to the Nyíregyháza Zoo will have the opportunity to see the tiger cubs at the Viktória House, a facility dedicated to showcasing endangered species. This conservation success story highlights the zoo’s commitment to protecting critically endangered wildlife and ensuring the survival of species on the edge of extinction.
The birth of these tiger cubs is a significant achievement in global conservation efforts, offering a glimmer of hope for the survival of the Sumatran tiger. The Nyíregyháza Zoo’s work demonstrates the vital role that breeding programmes play in preserving endangered species for future generations.
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