The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium welcomed the birth of two Amur tiger cubs.
The two tiger cubs, who were in unstable condition, were born on June 28 and 29, both weighing just 2 to 3 pounds.
They are the first cubs for the 5-year-old female, Mara and 9-year-old male, Foli. The two were paired by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan for tigers.
The newborn cubs were initially monitored by the animal care team using a remote feed from a camera mounted inside the den. The Columbus Zoo team was concerned about the health of the first cub who had not nursed for an extended period and appeared to be weakening when the Zoo lost power due to the June 29 storm.
The team decided to remove both cubs for hand rearing since they were unable to monitor the activity inside the den.
Conditions of the cubs are unstable and both are currently being held in intensive care at the Zoo’s Animal Health Center.
Amur tigers, also referred to as Siberian tigers, are critically endangered with fewer than 500 individuals believed to exist in the forests of the Russian Far East.
The Columbus Zoo is a long-term supporter of the Siberian Tiger Project which was established in 1992 by the Wildlife Conservation Society. The Zoo contributes $1 million annually to more than 70 conservation projects in 30 counties through the help of contributions and fundraising activities they hold every year.
It is unknown when Zoo visitors will be able to see the two cubs.
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Columbus Zoo Welcomes Birth Of Critically Endangered Tiger Cubs
Two newborn Amur tiger cubs joined the Columbus Zoo family, but remain in intensive care. See pictures.