Birth of endangered tiger cubs huge win for conservation

By Faye Mayern

These adorable Sumatran tiger cubs who were born in the U.K. have ventured outside their enclosure in a huge milestone for conservation.

The three cubs, two girls and one boy, were born to first-time mom Tipah and dad Nakal and are just two months old.

Howletts Wild Animal Park, in Canterbury, Kent, said the cubs represent an important step forward for the conservation of one of the world’s rarest big cats.

The one male is called Rokan while one of his sisters has been named Bila — with the park appealing for help with a name for the other girl.

There are fewer than 400 Sumatran tigers, native to Indonesia, thought to remain in the wild and they are considered critically endangered.

The cubs, who were born on April 9, spent their first few weeks with mom Tipah in their den — but in recent weeks have ventured outside.

Head of Carnivores at Howletts Richard Langston said: "Tipah has taken every step of this journey with calmness, patience and a natural ability to be a fantastic mom.

"She spends most of her time up on a platform keeping a watchful eye on them while enjoying a little respite from all the jumping, biting and playing that comes with raising energetic tiger cubs."

The park added the cubs were becoming increasingly bold and playful, exploring more of their surroundings and beginning to show their individual personalities.

One cub has already developed an independent streak, often choosing to spend time away from its siblings.

Tipah had given birth to four cubs, but one sadly passed away from natural causes, which the park said was "heartbreaking" but "not uncommon" in large cat litters.