Amur Tiger Cubs Update

(July 2011)

Tiger Cub

Our Amur tiger cubs will soon be celebrating their second birthday July 8, but in tiger years, that makes them teenagers. This means that when it comes to activity, they have passed their peak. Zookeepers report that Tula and Nuri still love their pool, and since they have gotten bigger, they create quite a spectacle because the water splashes higher and farther than when they were small cubs.

Like any mother, Amba takes advantage of her “alone time” seeing as it is limited to when the keepers take the cubs for feedings. She likes to soak in the pool, enjoying her undisturbed tranquility, because she knows that when her cubs are back, it’s all over!

The cubs eat eight pounds of the Nebraska brand diet daily. The increase in the amount of food is a result of Nuri, because keepers reported she was absolutely crazy during feeding time. When the door opened, all three would come rushing in looking for food. Nuri was very loud and aggressive when she came through the door for feedings, leading the rest of her family to stay out of her way. Keepers separated the tigers as fast as possible so no actual fights occurred.

The cubs’ play has gotten a little more intense because of their gains in size and strength, but they are still reacting well to their keepers. The next time you are at the Zoo, come and see Tula and Nuri splashing around in their pool!