No Grrrrlls Allowed
Two male tiger cubs getting ready for zoo debut!
Two tiny endangered male tiger cubs have been born at Blackpool Zoo to resident couple Zambar and Alyona.
The stripy pair are the first Amur tiger cubs to arrive at the zoo for more than 18 years.
Keepers discovered that Alyona had given birth overnight on June 11th and closed the Big Cat House to allow mother and babies to bond.
Now, after five successful weeks the house is partially open to the public and the twins are starting to tentatively explore.
Peter Dillingham, Animal Manager at Blackpool Zoo, said: “We had suspected that Alyona was pregnant for a while after keepers had observed Zambar and Alyona mating earlier in the year.
“We prepared a cubbing den in advance and keepers were over the moon to find two tiny tiger cubs feeding from mum when they arrived at work.
“Both these cubs will play a vital part in the species’ breeding programme and we look forward to seeing them both having fun outside soon.”
Zambar arrived at Blackpool Zoo in 2010 from Marwell Wildlife Park, where he was born and hand-reared after being rejected by his mother. He was joined in 2012 by Alyona, who arrived from her birthplace SafariparkBeekse Bergen in the Netherlands.
The Amur tiger is the largest member of the big cat family and is an endangered species. They are found in isolated populations around the Amur river valley in the far east of Russia and on China’s north east border. The wild population continues to be under threat due to habitat loss.
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Pictures show: The tiger cubs. Please note: These are the highest resolution pictures available as staff at the zoo are leaving mother and cubs to bond and can only take pictures when they get an opportunity.
More information about Blackpool Zoo
Blackpool Zoo announced record figures for the fifth consecutive year in 2013 as it continued with investment in facilities and attractions, introduces new species and enjoys success in international breeding programmes for endangered animals.
Visitor numbers were up 10 per cent, school visits seven per cent, internet bookings saw an 55 per cent increase, membership sales rose by 10 per cent, which all led to a 12 per cent rise in revenue.
Blackpool Zoo is owned by Parques Reunidos, the second largest European leisure parks operator and a leading world-wide player. The zoo is home to over 1,500 mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates set amidst thirty-two acres of mature woodland and lakes.
The zoo’s signature animals include elephants, giraffes, big cats, gorillas, orang-utans, sea lions, primates, zebras and kangaroos. It is open every day of the year, apart from Christmas Day, from 10am.
For further information please contact:
Paula Holden or Julie Hackett at ICG on 01772 679383 or email [email protected] or [email protected] Out of office hours contact: Paula Holden on 07772268378