Three Rare Sumatran Tiger Cubs Born at Safari Park

On January 28, 2016, three Sumatran tiger cubs—one male and two females—were born at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s Tull Family Tiger Trail, to parents Teddy and Joanne. Since their birth, keepers have been working with the cubs daily, checking their weight and tracking their growth. On Feburary 16, all three cubs received their first wellness exam from Park veterinarians—and all three cubs are thriving and being well cared for by their mom, Joanne. When the cubs get a little older, Safari Park guests will be able to see them when visiting Tiger Trail. Currently, guests have the opportunity to see the park’s five-month-old Sumatran cub, Suka, exhibiting his natural tiger behaviors inside Exhibit A at Tiger Trail.

With the addition of these three cubs, the Safari Park is now home to 10 Sumatran tigers. There are fewer than 350 Sumatran tigers remaining in the wild, and that number continues to drop. Scientists estimate that this critically endangered species could be extinct in its native Sumatra by 2020, unless measures are taken to protect and preserve it.

Tigers face many challenges in the wild, from loss of habitat to conflicts with humans, but the biggest threat continues to be poaching. Tigers are killed by poachers who illegally sell tiger body parts, mostly for folk remedies. People can help protect wild tigers by avoiding products made with non-sustainable palm oil, an industry that harms tiger habitat; and by refusing to purchase items made from endangered wildlife.

Bringing species back from the brink of extinction is the goal of San Diego Zoo Global. As a leader in conservation, the work of San Diego Zoo Global includes on-site wildlife conservation efforts (representing both plants and animals) at the San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, as well as international field programs on six continents. The work of these entities is inspiring children through the San Diego Zoo Kids network, reaching out through the Internet and in children’s hospitals nationwide. The work of San Diego Zoo Global is made possible by the San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy and is supported in part by the Foundation of San Diego Zoo Global.

CONTACT: SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL PUBLIC RELATIONS, 619-685-3291