ZSL London Zoo’s Sumatran twin tiger cubs venture outside for first time

Two Critically Endangered tiger cubs have timed their public debut at ZSL London Zoo to perfection, venturing out to explore the paddock of their Tiger Territory home just in time for the sunny weekend.

The 17-day-old cubs joined their seven-year-old mum, Melati the Sumatran tigress (Panthera tigris sumatrae), when she emerged to bask in the sunshine on Thursday morning (July 14) - and appeared to feel immediately at home in their new play area.

The as-yet unsexed cubs have been spotted on cubcam stretching their legs in their custom-built den, but this is the first time they’ve gone outside into the main paddock.

After a few encouraging nudges from Melati, the stripy duo were soon tentatively prowling the lush foliage of their new territory, before nuzzling up to mum for an al fresco feed.

Senior curator of mammals Malcolm Fitzpatrick said: “After so much rain this week Melati has been keeping the twins indoors. But when the sun finally came out it was obviously the perfect time for her to introduce our new arrivals to the outside world.

“The trio spent all day outside in the sunshine and when Melati took a break, dad Jae Jae was on hand to keep an eye on the twins.

“The cubs are very young, so they’re still sticking quite close to mum, but the more time they spend outside the more confident they’ll become. We’re looking forward to seeing them explore the rest of their new territory over the coming weeks.”

Lucky visitors to ZSL London Zoo this weekend might be able to catch a glimpse of the Critically Endangered cubs padding through the long grass of Tiger Territory. Visit www.zsl.org for more info and to book tickets.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors

For more information please contact Tina Campanella

E: Tina.campanella@zsl.org

T: 0207 449 6643