Three’s Company: Baby Tigers in the Zoo’s Nursery

Why are we so excited to welcome three new Malayan tiger cubs to our Zoo? Well, because they’re cute and fun to watch, of course, but also we hope that seeing these little fuzzballs will inspire you to help tigers in the wild. Read on to learn how you can take action.

Three-year-old Cinta gave birth to the cubs on February 3. Cinta was paired with her mate, Jalil, last year at the recommendation of the Malayan Tiger Species Survival Plan (SSP). Unfortunately, Cinta’s maternal instincts did not kick in and the cubs were transferred to the Nursery for fear that their body temperatures would drop too low.

In the wild, baby tigers rely heavily on their mothers for protection, as threats are many. Habitat loss threatens wild tigers, along with poaching and illegal wildlife trade. There may be as few as 3,800 tigers left in the wild, with only a few hundred Malayan tigers. The smallest subspecies, Malayan tigers are found in Malaysia and southern Thailand. But, there is good news; the World Wildlife Fund reports that their numbers have increased in recent years.

One way you can help is by avoiding products that contain unsustainable palm oil. Harvesting palm oil can destroy habitats for tigers and many other endangered species.

And, you can also support our work with Panthera, the only organization in the world devoted exclusively to conserving all species of wild cats and their ecosystems. We proudly partner with Panthera’s Tigers Forever program. In Malaysia, Panthera works with international partners to train local rangers to patrol forests, install camera traps, and arrest poachers.

You may also choose to A.D.O.P.T. a Malayan tiger or make a direct donation. When you support the Cincinnati Zoo, you also support our partner organizations, such as Panthera, that work to save various threatened and endangered species around the world.

Our trio of tiny tigers is currently receiving around-the-clock care from our dedicated zookeepers in the Nursery. As they grow, you might catch a glimpse of them through the Nursery windows. Come spring when they are weaned and no longer require constant care, you’ll see them running and playing in the outdoor exhibit in Cat Canyon. And, in the meantime, you can be sure we’ll be posting plenty of cute photos and videos on our social media outlets.

Thank you for caring about and protecting this amazing animal.