Born late July, the zoo kept the news under wraps for weeks out of concern for the cubs' survival during their vulnerable early days. Now thriving and healthy, the cubs made their public debut on Friday.
The four cubs, offspring of mother Nuri and father Tengah, include three males and one female. This is a significant development for European zoos, where females usually outnumber males, the zoo was quoted as saying.
Weighing over 8 kilograms each, the cubs are now about twice the size of a domestic cat and are active, playful, and healthy, according to zoo officials.
Sergiusz Kmiecik, acting president of the zoo, expressed his joy at the cubs' progress: "It is all the more joyful that all four tigers are developing healthily, are eager to eat, and enjoy playing with each other and their parents."
The Wrocław Zoo has been involved in breeding Sumatran tigers since the 1960s, and this latest litter is being hailed as a "breeding success on a global scale."
Sumatran tigers are one of the world's most endangered big cats, with fewer than 400 remaining in the wild due to poaching and habitat loss. The Wrocław Zoo, which also runs a foundation to protect these tigers, is playing a vital role in the species' survival through its breeding program.
The future placement of the cubs will be managed by the European Endangered Species Program, which coordinates breeding efforts across zoos to support endangered species.
The zoo is considering involving the public in naming the cubs, adding excitement to their already celebrated arrival.
(mo)
Source: PAP