ADVERTISEMENT

Zoo fetes health of rare Malayan tiger cubs

Zoo officials said that the small size of the female -- belonging to the critically endangered subspecies -- had been a cause for concern after two underweight cubs born this spring died.

"We are monitoring their weight and development very closely," Pavel Brandl, the zoo's mammals curator, told AFP.

On Tuesday, the female weighed in at 3.78 kilos (8.3 pounds) on the scales, while the rambunctious male, who tried hard to escape the procedure, scored 5.16 kilos.

"The male is developing very nicely, absolutely in line with veterinary data. The female was born small and she has to catch up. Her initial weight was too low," he added.

ADVERTISEMENT

The cubs, who have yet to be named by their breeders, were born to Banya and Johann, who have been a couple at Prague zoo for more than a year.

"For Banya, it was literally her last chance to give birth. She's already 11 and tigresses very rarely give birth after 15 years of age," said Brandl.

Banya gave birth to another set of cubs in the spring, but they did not survive because they were too small and Banya was an inexperienced mother.

A long way to go

Only two other zoos in Europe -- including the one in Halle, Germany, in 2013 -- have successfully bred Malayan tigers to date.

ADVERTISEMENT

"The Malayan tiger is rather rare in European zoos, at present there are 17 adult animals," Brandl said.

Brandl said that Banya's new set of cubs would be safer once they make it to their six-month birthday. They will be weaned at 18 months of age.

"We still have a long way to go," he added.

Tiger numbers worldwide have been falling due to loss of natural habitat and poaching. They are killed for their skins, with their body parts used in traditional Southern Asian medicine.

"At present, some 3,000 tigers are left worldwide and there are only several hundred adult Malayan tigers," Brandl said.

ADVERTISEMENT

Breeding is also tricky because of the tigers' habits -- couples only stays together during the rutting period as tigers are solitary animals.

"Besides, the males tend to be very aggressive, they attack the females — that's why it has taken us almost a decade to get a couple that is able to breed," Brandl told AFP.

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Why Kogi Assembly can't impeach Ododo over Yahaya Bello's escape - Speaker

Why Kogi Assembly can't impeach Ododo over Yahaya Bello's escape - Speaker

New twist as police detain Yahaya Bello's ADC, security detail for aiding his escape

New twist as police detain Yahaya Bello's ADC, security detail for aiding his escape

We’re not stopping - Onakoya extends Guinness World record chess marathon target by 2 hours

We’re not stopping - Onakoya extends Guinness World record chess marathon target by 2 hours

'We have done it': Tunde Onakoya reaches 58-hour mark chess marathon

'We have done it': Tunde Onakoya reaches 58-hour mark chess marathon

Forgive me my papa - Self-acclaimed Hausa traditional ruler kneels to beg Oba of Benin

Forgive me my papa - Self-acclaimed Hausa traditional ruler kneels to beg Oba of Benin

Fubara grows Rivers IGR by over 100%, less than 1 year after Wike's tenure

Fubara grows Rivers IGR by over 100%, less than 1 year after Wike's tenure

Plateau University suspends exams over killing of student

Plateau University suspends exams over killing of student

Nigeria laughing stock of the rest of the world due to insecurity - TY Danjuma

Nigeria laughing stock of the rest of the world due to insecurity - TY Danjuma

APC group claims Tinubu’s initiatives stimulating economic recovery

APC group claims Tinubu’s initiatives stimulating economic recovery

Pulse Sports

Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami

Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami

Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe

Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe

Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024

Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT