Jacksonville Zoo welcomes baby endangered Sumatran tiger cubs

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens announced the birth of two healthy, critically endangered Sumatran tiger cubs.

The cubs were born on Nov. 20 at the zoo.

Both cubs are male and are the second litter for mother, Dorcas, and father, Berani.

“One of the biggest pleasures as the Zoo’s tiger-management program evolves, is watching the effect that it has on the wellness of our animals,” said Dan Dembiec, Supervisor of Mammals. “Dorcas started out as a skittish and shy tigress, but she is now a confident and skilled mother.  She is a natural at providing her cubs with the necessary care to help them develop, and this is reflective of the care that she has received from the staff at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.”

PHOTOS: Jacksonville Zoo welcomes newborn tiger cubs

The cubs had their first medical exam on Nov. 28 and were announced healthy.

The zoo said that the cubs will not be on exhibit for several months.

The birth of the two Sumatran tiger cubs is significant, according to the zoo because their tiger's are part of a globally-managed species program  that works to maintain a healthy population of the tigers.

There are less than 400 Sumatran tigers in the wild according to the zoo, so the birth of the two cubs will aid them in highlighting the work being done to protect them.

Cox Media Group