Taman Rimba Zoo welcomes three tiger cubs

A 9-year-old Sumatran tiger at Taman Rimba Zoo in Jambi gave birth to three cubs on Sunday.

The tiger, named Uni, gave birth soon after a Bengal tiger at Mangkang Zoo in Semarang, Central Java, gave birth to four cubs last week.

According to Taman Rimba manager Adrianis, zookeepers had yet to determine the sexes of the cubs. “The cubs are just fresh out of their mother. We don’t dare get too close to a tiger and her cubs, as we are afraid that close contact could affect her physical condition,” Adrianis said.

The first cub was born on Sunday at 9 a.m.

Uni and her cubs have been separated from the father, Peter, a 7-year-old tiger, to prevent him harming them.

Uni and Peter were brought from Ragunan Zoo to Taman Rimba three years ago. Before giving birth to the three cubs, Uni delivered two female cubs named Mayang and Ayu.

The Sumatran tiger is among the most endangered animals in the country, with the population estimated to be only 400. (rms/lfr)