Tiger Cubs Set to Make their Public Debut!
Bring your family to meet our Sumatran tiger family!The tiger cubs made their public debut by joining their mother on-exhibit on December 9th! Guests of the Zoo can finally visit the cubs and see first-hand how cute, energetic, and playful they are. The cubs and their mother will transition off-exhibit various times throughout the day, allowing outdoor time for the Zoo’s male Sumatran tiger. |
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Meet Dr. Karl Hill!
The L.A. Zoo veterinarian discusses what it takes to care for and help raise healthy Sumatran tiger cubs, from feedings and vaccinations to routine examinations. Hear about the cubs' development from one of the experts responsible for their healthcare:Meet Our New Cubs!
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L.A. Zoo Veterinarian Dr. Wiedner examines the cubs to |
Who’s king of the mountain? |
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While the two-month-old cubs are still nursing from Lulu, solid |
“Play time!” … “Nap time.” |
Meet Stephanie Zielinski!
Who knows the cubs better than the person who cares for them on a daily basis? Zoo Keeper Stephanie Zielinski talks about the L.A. Zoo’s tiger family and what it means to be their keeper.
Sumatran tiger family at the L.A. Zoo - Diet and Exercise!
2011 has been a great year for babies at the L.A. Zoo. Within the past six months, we have had many species born or hatched at the Zoo. These births have included hoofed mammals such as gerenuk, markhor and bighorn sheep, primate such as colobus and capuchin monkeys, the hatching of several flamingo chicks and 21 Komodo dragons and the first successful birth of giant otters at the L.A. Zoo. One of the most exciting and anticipated of these births was our three Sumatran tiger cubs.
Typically, when tigers are born at the Zoo they don’t go out on exhibit until they are mature enough to navigate the outdoor habitat. This means our guests are not able to view them until they are around four months old. This website will give a rare behind the scenes look at the cubs before they go out on exhibit. Our staff will update the website with photos and video to give you, our fans and supporters access that is usually only reserved for those who work with these magnificent animals. With the addition of social media tools, we are eager to share the accessibility of these cubs.
As excited as we are in this moment of celebration, we are equally saddened to announce that one of the three tiger cubs has unexpectedly passed. This is the third litter at the L.A. Zoo from our experienced mother who has successfully raised a total of five cubs. While the loss of this cub is unfortunate, we plan to continue to share the growth of the two cubs with our community until they are introduced to their exhibit. I hope you’ll share the adventure with us.
John Lewis
Zoo Director
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
At just four weeks old, you can see how the L.A. Zoo’s Sumatran tiger cubs are just beginning
to build strength in their legs. Their eyes still have hints of blue, though it is gradually fading and their
eyesight is improving. Though they won’t stop nursing on mother’s milk for quite some time, their teeth are
beginning to break through.
The birth of these Sumatran tiger cubs is a cause for celebration for zoos and an important milestone in the conservation of the species. Due to continued habitat destruction, poaching, and killing of tigers that come into contact with villagers, the wild population of Sumatran tigers has suffered, and the species is classified as endangered. While the cubs spend a majority of their time with mom, their keepers at the Los Angeles Zoo also spend time with them each day in order to foster a trusting relationship with them. Human interaction with the cubs from an early age allows zoo keepers and veterinarians to safely examine them during routine check-ups.
On Saturday, August 6, 2011, the Zoo’s female Sumatran tiger gave birth to three male cubs. Not only are they adorably cute, but they’ll also help to play a significant role in the conservation of the endangered species.
This is the third liter for the cubs’ mom, Lulu, who has proven to be a great mother. Day by day, week by week, the young cubs will begin to develop their strength, skills and personalities. Lulu will care for them off exhibit until their debut in December. Until then, we’ll help you follow the cubs’ growth and showcase various pictures, videos and fun facts!
Mother Knows Best
During their first weeks, these Sumatran tiger cubs are fully dependent on their mother, “Lulu.” Unlike some feline families, such as lion prides, tiger mothers solely care for their cubs without interaction from the father.
Lulu spends the majority of her day caring for and watching over them. At this age, the cubs’ diet consists only of mother’s milk, with feedings taking place every couple of hours.
The Los Angeles Zoo’s tiger keeper has already noticed changes in the tiger cubs’ physical traits and individual differences between them.
Like many newborns, tiger cubs have extremely poor vision when they are born. While their vision is not yet fully focused, they’ve gained the ability to visually recognize objects. Their hearing is quickly developing as well.
Once flopped down close to their head, the cubs’ ears have transitioned to their upright position.
Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae)
The Los Angeles Zoo is home to a male Sumatran tiger named Manning and a female Sumatran tiger named “Lulu,” short for Melukakan. Read more about this incredible species by clicking here or learn about other animals at the Los Angeles Zoo by clicking here.
To further celebrate these exciting new additions, the Zoo is pleased to announce a partnership with the ScholarShare College Savings Plan, California's official 529 plan. As families learn about the Zoo's young animals, parents may learn how to begin planning their children's future from a very young age.
