First look at 'extremely rare' adorable tiger cubs born at Wiltshire safari park
Photos have been released of four 'extremely rare' Amur tiger cubs born last month at Longleat Safari Park who are 'developing well'.
The cubs, which are living at Longleat in Wiltshire, have attracted worldwide attention since their birth last month as they are some of the rarest tiger cubs in the world.
Currently, the Amur tiger is one of the most endangered animals in the world with only 450 left in the wild across the globe.
In the 1930s the tigers had nearly died out due to hunting, and at one stage it is thought the population fell as low as just 20–30 animals.
These four tiny cubs have no idea how rare they are, as the world watches on with amazement. (Image: Longleat Safari Park)
Carnivore keeper, Kayleigh Smith, from Longleat Safari Park, said that these Wiltshire cubs are looking happy and healthy, as they start to develop their personalities.
"We've already identified one which is an explorer who took their first steps early, and was the first to climb over mum," said Kayleigh.
These four little tiger cubs, which have yet to be named, are the second litter of nine-year-old Mum Yana who also gave birth to Rusty and Yuki in 2019.
The cubs' dad Red is also nine-years-old.
According to keeper Caleb Hall, Yana is now able to leave her cubs for short periods of time as they continue to grow.
“They are developing so quickly; their eyes are fully open and they are now looking in the direction of sound,” said Caleb.
Mum Yana has been working hard looking after her four young cubs. (Image: Longleat Safari Park)
“Over the next couple of weeks, they will start to try solid food rather than just having Yana’s milk and will have their first vaccinations at eight weeks.
“At 12 weeks they will have their second vaccinations and will be able to wander outside, but it will be late summer before they can go into the main paddock,” he added.
Native to the far east of Russia, the Amur tiger is the largest of the big cats and can weigh up to 300kg and measure more than three metres in length.
Although these Wiltshire cubs are currently too young to be gendered or given a name, Longleat Safari Park hopes that visitors will be able to come and see them in the park later this summer once the cubs have had their inoculations.
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South west farmer, wiltshire safari park 'delighted' by birth of four adorable endangered tiger cubs, longleat safari park in wiltshire welcomes birth of four tiger cubs.
Four rare tiger cubs have been born at Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire, meaning they have the biggest collection of the endangered tigers in the UK.
Keepers at the Park were delighted by the birth of four Amur cubs, the genders of which are not yet known, so they are yet to be named.
Their birth is very important for the international breeding programme to protect the species and the keepers hope that once the cubs have had their inoculations, people will be able to visit them.
Darren Beasley, head of animal operations, said: “We are delighted to make this announcement on the eve of Endangered Species Day – Friday 17 May.
The cubs with mum Yana (Image: Longleat Safari Park)
“It is estimated that there are only 450 Amur tigers remaining in the wild making it one of the most endangered animals in the world.
“The birth of four Amur tigers gives a vital boost to the European breeding programme for the species which has, until now, seen just 15 cubs in the previous two years. So far this year, the cubs account for half of all successful Amur tiger births in Europe.”
He continued: “We are overjoyed. This is only the second litter of Amur tigers in Longleat’s history and Yana is a fantastic mum.
“Our carnivore keepers – Amy Waller, Kayleigh Smith, Caleb Hall and Eloise Kilbane – made sure Yana had a birthing box in her house and have been keeping an eye on her as we knew a birth was imminent, but we didn’t expect four.
“Yana had two cubs in 2019 – Rusty and Yuki; Rusty moved to Blackpool last year as part of the breeding programme.”
The four cubs will be fed milk for around six months, before being weaned onto meat.
Amur Tigers usually live 10 to 15 years in the wild and up to 20 years in captivity.
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Four rare Amur tiger cubs have been born at Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire to the delight of keepers.
Their birth is important for the international breeding programme as the species is currently listed as endangered. It also means the estate has the biggest collection of Amur tigers in the UK and the cubs equate to over 25 per cent of births across Europe in the previous two years.
The week-old babies are being nurtured by mum Yana and the hope is visitors will be able to see them in the Park in the summer, once they have had their inoculations. Their genders are not yet known so are yet to be named.
It is the third success for the Park with Fennec Fox kits and a rare Vulture Chick also born in recent weeks.
Darren Beasley, Head of Animal Operations, said: “We are delighted to make this announcement on the eve of Endangered Species Day – Friday 17 May. It is estimated that there are only 450 Amur tigers remaining in the wild making it one of the most endangered animals in the world. The birth of four Amur tigers gives a vital boost to the European breeding programme for the species which has, until now, seen just 15 cubs in the previous two years. So far this year, the cubs account for half of all successful Amur tiger births in Europe in 2024.
“We are overjoyed. This is only the second litter of Amur Tigers in Longleat’s history and Yana is a fantastic mum.
“Our carnivore keepers – Amy Waller, Kayleigh Smith, Caleb Hall and Eloise Kilbane – made sure Yana had a birthing box in her house and have been keeping an eye on her as we knew a birth was imminent, but we didn’t expect four.
“Yana had two cubs in 2019 – Rusty and Yuki; Rusty moved to Blackpool last year as part of the breeding programme.”
The four cubs will be fed milk by mum for around six months and she will gradually wean them onto meat.
Yana and dad Red are both nine-years-old – the cubs nearly arrived on his birthday 17 May.
Longleat was the first Safari Park to open outside of Africa in 1966 and is committed to supporting conservation for endangered species.
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