London Zoo Tiger Cub Takes First Steps Outside

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: January 14, 2022 12:01 am

ZSL London Zoo shared footage of their Sumatran tiger cub taking its first steps outside

Video Credit: ZSL London Zoo

A Sumatran tiger cub at ZSL London Zoo has been shown taking its first wobbly steps in to the big wide world in a video taken yesterday at the zoo.

The critically endangered cub was born to mother Gaysha during December. As yet the gender of the cub has not been determined. Keepers will find this out during its first health check in the coming weeks.

ZSL London Zoo tiger keeper Kathryn Sanders said: “The cub has so far mostly stayed tucked up with Gaysha in their cosy behind-the-scenes cubbing den, but with such lovely weather yesterday it’s clear she decided it was time for her little one to take its first steps in the outside world.”  

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Mother Gaysha carried the cub outside to enjoy the afternoon sun. Following this she set the cub down in a heated outdoor shelter where it could keep warm.

Keepers at the zoo have kept a close eye on the pair through CCTV cameras since the birth. This allowed them to capture the cub as it followed in its mother’s footsteps and tumbled on the grass along the way.

Kate added: “We were all holding our breath with excitement as the cub tottered around, using all its strength to clamber after mum – it was incredible to watch the youngster find its ‘tiger’ feet’ for the first time.” 

Learn more about Sumatran Tigers here – Sumatran Tiger Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about ZSL London Zoo on their website – ZSL London Zoo

Mother Gaysha watches as her cub born in December takes its first steps outside.

Photo Credit: SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium