A pair of rare Amur tiger cubs are making their public debut at the Minnesota Zoo, raising hopes for preserving an endangered species native to far eastern Russia and northern China.
Andrei and Amaliya ventured outside for the first time Wednesday, experiencing the grass under their paws since their birth on May 23, thanks to their 12-year-old mother, Dari.
“They’ve done quite well since then,” zoologist Trista Fischer remarked. “We’ve monitored them closely. Dari’s been fantastic, providing outstanding maternal care. Today, they’re fully vaccinated and now about 40 to 45 pounds (18-20 kilograms).”
Scientists estimate the Amur tiger population to be around 400 to 500 in the wild, having recovered somewhat from near extinction in the 1930s and 1940s. They are difficult to breed, with around one in four Amur cubs not surviving to adulthood, whether in the wild or captivity, and poaching remains a significant threat.
The Minnesota Zoo, located in Apple Valley, a suburb of Minneapolis, has a long history of conserving tigers. It has seen 57 Amur tiger cubs born, with 46 surviving for at least 30 days. Of those 46, 21 have gone on to produce a total of 86 more cubs. The births of Andrei and Amaliya have increased the zoo’s Amur tiger population to seven, including their sire, Luka.
Fischer, the leading coordinator for the Tiger Species Survival Plan, oversees a breeding program in the United States and other countries to preserve big cats globally. The program manages three groups of tigers: Sumatran, Malayan, and Amur.
“This litter is so valuable to the population right now,” she explained, noting that the genetic diversity of healthy tigers in human care could eventually support wild populations.
Zoo spokesperson Zach Nugent said the cubs will stay with their mother for about 18 months before Andrei, the male, moves to separate housing, mirroring the behavior of wild male cubs. Amaliya may stay with Dari for up to 24 months. Fischer will then decide if either cub should be bred and possibly moved to another accredited zoo after the cubs are 2 years old.
“Aww, I love when they get their little Yoda ears,” Fischer commented, referring to the pointy ears of the Star Wars character, as she watched Amaliya and Andrei explore their new enclosure. She described the moment as emotional, exciting, and proud for her and her team.
“Our work’s not over, but all that work so far is really paying off. The cubs are acclimating to their new surroundings almost immediately,” she said as the little tigers roamed outside with their mother. “They’re showing a lot of resiliency, something we strive for in human care. We want these animals to have confidence and adapt to new environments, just as they’re doing today.”
