Tiger Cub Gets New Family at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: February 20, 2021 10:20 pm

Indrah the Malayan tiger cub who has moved to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Photo Credit: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

A two month old Malayan tiger cub has moved from Tulsa Zoo to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo where she will be raised alongside two Amur tiger cubs to provide her socialization opportunities.

The two Amur tiger cubs were born in late December.

“Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Tulsa Zoo both recently celebrated the incredible births of endangered tiger cubs,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Dr. Chris Kuhar.

“Socialization of tigers at an early age is incredibly important and raising these cubs as part of a unique social group will allow them to develop skills and behaviors together.”

This move was organized as a partnership between the two zoos and coordinated by the Tiger Species Survival Plan (SSP) Program. The Tiger SSP administrates the highest standards of care and welfare for tigers by working collaboratively across the over 230 accredited zoos of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

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Despite being given exceptional care and facilities in which to give birth both the Amur tiger in Cleveland and the Malayan tiger at Tulsa Zoo did not show a maternal bond with their offspring.

Following an intensive period of monitoring it was decided that all three cubs were at risk of health issues. While they differ as subspecies the Malayan tiger and Amur tigers will benefit from the opportunity to socialize and develop essential behaviors within their adopted family.

“The decision to hand-rear cubs, and to transfer a cub, is never taken lightly. In this case it was clear the move was the best decision to ensure our cub would have an opportunity to benefit from being part of a social group. The transition also allows our zoo to continue to focus on our SSP breeding recommendation for our Malayan tigers in 2021, to ensure their sustainable populations in AZA-accredited facilities,” says Tulsa Zoo Vice-President of Animal Conservation & Science Joe Barkowski.

Currently the three cubs are being raised by a specialist team of animal care experts at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s Sarah Allison Steffee Center for Zoological Medicine. In a few months the cubs will have adequate strength and fitness to explore the Rosebrough Tiger Passage which will be there permanent home.

Learn more about the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on their website – Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

A video of the tiger cub trio meeting one another at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Video Credit: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo