[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]The first tiger cub in 17 years has been born at London Zoo as an expert says breeding in captivity may be the only way to protect the species in the future.
Zookeepers won’t know if the Sumatran tiger cub is male or female for around three weeks as it is being left alone with its mother in its £3 million enclosure.
David Field, zoological director, said breeding these tigers in captivity may be the only way to protect them in future, as around 300 currently exist in the wild and around the same number in zoos around the world.
The cub was born last month, exactly six months after the Tiger Territory exhibit was launched at the zoo to encourage breeding of the critically endangered and declining species.
“Sadly breeding in captivity is becoming our saving option,” Mr Field told the Telegraph.
“Time is running out for tigers in the wild.”
The cub was born on September 22, after a pregnancy of 105 days and a six minute labour to its mother, five year old Melati, who has been watched by zoologists through hidden cameras.
In a bid to let Melati bond with her cub, zoo keepers won’t have any contact with it or be able to tell the sex of the cub for about three weeks when it will be given vaccinations.
Mr Field said the main aim of the project is to conserve the tiger population across the world, which is frequently threatened by poachers and deforestation for the palm oil trade.
One of the reasons it had taken so long for a cub to be born at London Zoo was because zoologists had to ensure they were a perfect match to make sure they bred successfully.
But when Melati and male tiger Jae Jae were put together they had no problems, mating up to 40 times a day.
Mr Field added: “That little tiger cub does hold the potential for the future of the tiger population. It’s intensely inspiring.
“We have to make sure the animals we put together are the best genetically and the right animals. These breeding programmes are not just something we do for fun.”
The cub cannot currently be seen by the public and will be brought out into the enclosure when mother Melati thinks it is strong enough, which keepers anticipate to be in around six weeks time.
Wed Oct 02, 2013 9:13 am