AssetID: 54616141
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Trio Of Tiger Cubs' Genders Revealed As They Take First Steps Outside
Caption: Three critically endangered Sumatran tiger cubs have had their first health check - and taken their first steps outdoors. Born on 17 January 2025 to 13-year-old mum Dourga, the triplets are now eight weeks old. During their exam, vets confirmed two females and one male. Vet Lindsey Baines said the cubs are healthy and developing perfectly, with no concerns. One female cub is now named Nova - meaning ‘new star’ - as part of the Park’s 2025 ‘N’ naming theme. The public will soon be invited to name the other two cubs. On 17 March, the cubs ventured outdoors for the first time, guided by mum Dourga’s soft ‘chuffing’ sounds. They were greeted by older sister Lestari, who ran alongside them as they explored their new space. With fewer than 400 Sumatran tigers left in the wild, the Park’s efforts are key to saving the specie.
Keywords: Natural World,Sumatran tiger cubs,West Midlands Safari Park,Dourga,Nova,Tiger Tropics habitat,Veterinary Surgeon Lindsey Baines,Veterinary Nurse Sarah Smith,Lestari,Nakal,January 17 2025,March 17 debut,health check,vaccinations,ID photos,chuffing,first outdoor exploration,EEP (EAZA Ex-Situ Programme),WildCats Conservation Alliance,Kerinci Seblat Tiger Protection Project,critically endangered species,tiger conservation,wildlife protection,zoo births,tiger cub names,animal health check,endangered tigers,cub development,public naming contest,animal behavior,wildlife education,habitat destruction,illegal poaching,zoo veterinary care,conservation efforts UK,Sumatran tiger population
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