Blog


Enlarge Image

Malayan Tiger Newborns at the Palm Beach Zoo!

Posted by Faith on 28 May 2011 / 0 Comment

Between the late-night hours of May 12th and the morning of May 13th, the number of Malayan tigers at the Palm Beach Zoo grew from 2 to a delightful 5!

Reportedly, the mother, Berapi Api, is taking excellent care of her cubs. Zoo staff are monitoring this little family only via video camera to give them as much space as possible during this sweet time. In a couple of months, the cubs will be examined to ensure they are healthy – right now they appear healthy, and Berapi is far too protective to let anyone near them during such a vulnerable stage. What a good momma!

The video below documents the gradual arrival of Berapi’s babes and the bonding time that follows.

Berapi came to Palm Beach from the Bronx Zoo in November of 2010. She was paired with Palm Beach resident Keemasan Mata (Mata for short) to produce their beautiful cubs.

Mata, checking out the 5th graders from Palmetto Elementary who've come for a visit. I can't quite tell whether he's enjoying the attention or wishing for alone time. What do you think?

 

This is the first time this zoo has supported a breeding effort in the 20 years that it’s had a tiger exhibit. Mata and Berapi’s cubs will be raised in captivity, and will contribute to education and awareness. One of the zoo’s goals is that education + awareness + money raised = aid in the conservation of the Malayan tiger in the wild. Keith Lovett, director of living collections at this zoo, said there may also be potential to use artificial insemination from the Palm Beach Zoo tigers in order to promote population growth of their extended family in the Malaysian wilderness. (It’s estimated that there are only about 500 Malayan tigers left in the wild.)

In the video below, Lovett introduces you to Mata and Berapi before they were mated, and talks tiger conservation.

Info, images, & videos courtesy of

You must be logged in to post a comment.