Add Two to Rare Tiger Population
It is estimated that there are fewer than 600 Sumatran tigers in the world - about 200 of which are in captivity. With the birth of two cubs on January 8 of this year, the Akron Zoo has reason to be proud - almost as proud as the parents themselves!
Until last week, the two cubs (as yet unnamed) were kept in seclusion with their mother in the cubbing area of the inside holding. They now have the run of that area plus an extra indoor holding which is connected to the cubbing area.
Father Sobat has had his first look at his offspring through a fence door which separates him from the young. Sobat will not go in with the cubs, as the mother is the lone care provider for the cubs.
Zoo Keepers were anxious to see Sobat's reaction when he saw his offspring. "Sobat came right up to the door and looked at the cubs. The cubs didn't get too close and they just stood several feet from the door and stared. Aneh, however, must have missed him, because she ran over to the door and they had several interactions," said Marlo Swaldo, a Senior Wild Animal Keeper at the zoo.
Swaldo, the tiger's primary keeper, has noticed a definite change in the cubs lately, "They are doing really well. They are growing everyday and becoming more independent. Aneh is spending more time away from them and they are becoming very adventurous."
The cubs, who weighed less than four pounds at birth, are expected to grow to 400 lbs. Or more at adulthood.
The target date for the cub's release into the outdoor exhibit is expected sometime in late spring or early summer.
Sobat, whose name means "Friend," is on exhibit at the zoo.
Thanks to David Barnhardt of the Akron Zoo for this wonderful news!
Visit the Akron Zoo, open year 'round, at 500 Edgewater Avenue in Akron, or visit online anytime at http://www.AkronZoo.com.
The copyright of the article Add Two to Rare Tiger Population in Ohio is owned by Diane Stresing. Permission to republish Add Two to Rare Tiger Population in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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