Utah's Hogle Zoo recently announced that three critically endangered male Amur tiger cubs have been born. The Amur tigers, formerly known as Siberian tigers, are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) Tiger Species Survival Plan (SSP). The Hogle Zoo reports that the mother Basha is doing an excellent job taking care of the three male cubs.
For the past couple of months these tiger brothers have become increasingly active and Basha is kept busy nursing and caring for her three active and playful cubs. Although this is first litter for her, she is proving to be an excellent mother. "With first-time moms we prepare ourselves to deal with the unknown. But Basha took on the three cubs like she was a natural; she was an extremely caring, protective, great mom from day one," says Hogle Zoo feline keeper Jill VanMilligen. She adds, "Basha was one of three cubs born at Hogle Zoo in 2003 and now watching her become a mom herself is incredible." This is the first time that Kazek, who arrived at Hogle Zoo in 2006 from the Buffalo Zoo, has sired a litter.
The cubs are absolutely adorable and they are going to get much bigger. Hogle Zoo says Amur tigers are the largest of all the cat species. Adult males can grow to be 11 feet long and weigh 400 to 650 pounds.
