Friesland, Netherlands Four Amur tiger cubs have been born at AquaZoo Leeuwarden, marking a significant milestone as the first time the zoo has welcomed baby tigers.
The foursome arrived in the early hours of June 15, much to the delight of chief animal caretaker William Kreijkes. “The birth of youngsters is always very special. You hope for it, but when it happens, it is very special,” Kreijkes shared.
“And the fact that they are quadruplets we never dared to dream that. So far, it is going really well with both the cubs and the mother. It is always exciting how it will continue, but for now, it looks promising.”
Currently, the mother and her babies are staying indoors. Kreijkes mentioned that it’s difficult to predict when they will venture outside. “The cubs still have their eyes closed. They will open in the coming days. Then we have to wait and see: the animals can decide for themselves whether and when they will explore the outdoor enclosure.”
The Amur tiger, native to the river basins of China and Siberia, is critically endangered in the wild with only a few hundred individuals left. The primary threats they face are human-related, including poaching for traditional Asian medicine and habitat loss due to factors like forest fires and logging. Over the past century, a staggering 93% of their natural habitat has disappeared.
European zoos participate in conservation programs aimed at preserving the species and maintaining a healthy population within their parks. These animals are not owned by the zoos but are managed through these programs.
Each species has a coordinator who oversees mating decisions and determines the fate of any youngsters, ensuring that conservation efforts remain a top priority.
Last year, AquaZoo introduced two adult tigers, Aïda and Vadim, to a spacious new enclosure spanning over 5,000 square meters.
The pair, sourced from Safaripark Beekse Bergen and Sosto Zoo in Hungary, respectively, has now welcomed the arrival of four adorable cubs. This development coincides with the zoo’s 20th anniversary, making it an even more special occasion for all involved.
