The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo roared with
new activity last week as three Amur Tiger cubs born in April made their public
debut.   The cubs, one male and two
females, are vitally important to the future of wild Tigers:  in the last 100 years, the global wild Tiger
population has plummeted 97 percent. 
Only about 3,200 Tigers remain in the wild, with only 1,000 breeding
females.  Amur Tigers, also known as
Siberian Tigers, are among the rarest big cats on Earth.

Photo Credit:  Julie Larsen
Maher

“The birth of a rare species like Amur tigers is always an
exciting time at the Bronx Zoo,” said Jim Breheny, WCS Executive Vice President
and Bronx Zoo Director. “The cubs will play a vital role as representatives for
their wild relatives – inspiring zoo visitors to learn more about the threats
these majestic animals face in the wild and what we can do to protect them.”

The cubs were born to mother Katharina and father Sasha.
These tigers were bred by recommendation of the Species Survival Plan, a cooperative
breeding program designed to enhance the genetic and demographic stability of
the tiger population in zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and
Aquariums to ensure its long-term viability of the species.

The cubs each weighed an estimated two-and-a-half to three
pounds at birth and now weigh approximately 45 pounds. Katharina is 13 years
old, and her last litter of cubs was born in May 2010. Sasha is 15 years old,
and this is his first litter.

Amur Tigers are found in the Russian
Far East and northeastern China. Male Amur Tigers are the world’s largest cat
and can grow to weigh 650 pounds. 

Tigers are in trouble. Once found in 30 countries across
vast areas of Asia, tigers are now just found in scattered fragments across 10
countries.