Sumatran Tiger Cubs Born at Point Defiance Zoo - Watch the Video!

Our local zoo's newest Tacoma Mama gave birth to cubs this week. Sadly, one did not survive the birth, but six year old Jaya's two remaining cubs seem to be thriving.

For the time being, even zoo staff are limited to watching mama and babies on video. Zoo staff will not attempt to place the family on exhibit until at least 8 weeks of age. You can watch the live video by stopping by the Point Defiance zoo. Watch the trailer here:

Jaya and her cubs are 3 of approximately 500 Sumatran tigers, worldwide. The two new cubs bring the total number of Sumatran tigers in North American zoos to 74. With so few Sumatran tigers left worldwide, zoo staff stress the significance of the cubs to the species as a whole.

"Sumatran tigers are among the world’s most critically endangered species," said general curator Karen Goodrowe Beck. "These cubs not only add to the overall population, but they also provide invaluable genetic diversity to the breeding program."

Point Defiance Zoo participates in the Sumatran tiger Species Survival Plan, coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The SSP manages the Sumatran population in North America.

The SSP made the recommendation that Point Defiance Zoo breed Jaya with the cubs' father, Bali, last summer. At the same time staff confirmed Jaya’s pregnancy last month, Bali was diagnosed with cancer. A test on May 18 showed positive progress from Bali’s chemotherapy treatment by zoo veterinarians.

"He's not cured, but his life may be prolonged, thanks to the dedication and skill of our veterinary team and collaborating veterinary oncologist," said Goodrowe Beck. "Visitors will be able to see him on exhibit while his cubs grow with mom behind the scenes."

The zoo will invite the public to vote on the cubs' names once they are safely settled and staff are able to determine their sexes.

For more information about Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, visit pdza.org or call 253-591-5337.