The wildlife park is part of a breeding programme
Four new tiger cubs have arrived at Manor House Wildlife Park in Tenby(Image: Megan Lee)
A wildlife park in Wales has been keeping an amazing secret, four new tiger cubs have been born. Their arrival at Manor House Wildlife Park in Pembrokeshire was kept secret while they got used to one another.
Mum Terima, who is 11, delivered four cubs on June 17, making Zaza a big sister in the process. Last year, Zaza was the first tiger cub to be born and was described as a “symbol of hope and a critical addition to the global effort to conserve this critically endangered species”.
The Sumatran tiger is one of the world’s most endangered tiger subspecies, facing severe threats from habitat loss and poaching.
The park’s owner Anna Ryder-Richardson said animal care and veterinary staff have been working round the clock to look after the new arrivals, who are described as having “playful personalities”. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here.
A video released to announce their arrival shows the cubs rolling round in the straw at their new home, and getting used to walking. The incredibly cute video shows them playing with mum Terima, her carrying them in her mouth, and cleaning them before cuddling up to her.
Their names are yet to be decided, but Ms Ryder-Richardson said she is hoping “for some Welsh names”.
Mum Terima carrying one of the cubs in her mouth(Image: Megan Lee)
“It’s been a magical time behind the scenes and we’re so excited to finally share it with you,” their Facebook announcement said.
The litter size is said to be rare, with Kim Wilkins, head keeper at Manor Wildlife Park telling BBC Wales having four cubs was “exceptionally rare”, adding that a normal litter size for a Sumatran tiger is two or three.
“When I saw four I was over the moon, what an achievement,” said Ms Wilkins.
The park’s conservation programme is dedicated to supporting global efforts to preserve endangered species through breeding initiatives, habitat conservation, and education.
The babies will join into the breeding programme to keep the scheme going.
No names have yet been decided for the cubs(Image: Megan Lee)
Interior designer and TV presenter Ms Ryder Richardson said: “You won’t be able to see Sumatran Tigers in the wild, during ours or our children’s lifetimes.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The tigers have a very important job to do because they have been genetically matched to breed.
“The breeding group are really hoping that one of our four is a male.”
The pairing and breeding of particular animals is managed by a studbook holder who makes matches according to genetic diversity and other suitability criteria.