Even before you arrive inside the tiger house at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park you can hear the sounds of little mouths yelping and chuffing with excitement. Two Sumatran tigers were born on Oct. 5 and are now becoming more active.
On Friday, the two female cubs were roused from their slumber by their keepers, Lori Gallo and Tina Hunter, for a quick weigh-in and some socialization time. The 10- and 9-pound cubs are being desensitized to the human touch in anticipation of vaccines or other necessary veterinary care. It also allows keepers to check if the cubs are teething. On Thursday, keepers discovered the cubs' canines are emerging.
The cubs are described as clumsy on their feet. Keepers expect them to be more agile and be ready to explore the outdoors in mid-January.
Sumatran tigers are a critically endangered species, with only about 400 cats left worldwide. They are the smallest of the tiger species, but a male can reach 220 pounds. The Park is currently home to seven Sumatran tigers, but 23 have been born here.
The Safari Park is raising funds to build a forested tiger haven that will offer up-close views of these fascinating felines and other wildlife as well as highlight conservation efforts. For more information visit sandiegozoo.org/tigers.
The 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo Safari Park (historically referred to as Wild Animal Park) is operated by the not-for-profit San Diego Zoo and includes a 900-acre native species reserve. The organization focuses on conservation and research work around the globe, educates millions of individuals a year about wildlife and maintains accredited horticultural, animal, library and photo collections. The Zoo also manages the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. The important conservation and science work of these entities is supported in part by The Foundation of the Zoological Society of San Diego.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
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