The species – also known as the Amur tiger – is native to eastern Russia but is critically endangered due to poaching and loss of habitat
Two extremely rare Siberian tigers have been born at a UK safari park.
The birth of the cubs – whose sex is not yet known -at Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire is a huge success for an international breeding programme, with the species critically endangered.
Also known as Amur tigers , there are 326 in captivity across Europe and Russia, and only around more 520 in the wild.
Hello world: One of the two Siberian tiger cubs at Woburn Safari Park
Taking it easy: A cub snuggles up to mum
Their mother Minerva is ranked as the 7th most genetically important female in the captive tiger population across Europe and together with father Elton, they are a crucial genetic match.
Jo Cook, species co-ordinator for the European breeding programme (Europe & Russia) said: “This is the first litter for Minerva and Elton and so far she’s doing a great job as a new mother, although there is still a lot for her to learn.
Playful: A cub enjoys a roll in the hay
Bath time: Mum Minerva cleans one of her new babies
“These cubs will make an important contribution to the European breeding programme for Amur tigers, as Minerva in particular is genetically very important and doesn’t have many relatives in the population.
“Maintaining a healthy captive population of Amur tigers in zoos and parks is important because they act as an insurance population and can be used for reintroductions should that become a necessity.”
Meal time: The cubs suckle
Conservation project: The captive breeding programme is helping to save the species
The playful youngsters will remain close to their mother in a private den away from the public until early 2016.
Then the family and another female tiger called Neurka will be released out into the attraction’s new nine-acre Kingdom of the Carnivores reserve complete with sleeping platforms and bathing pools.
Ms Cook added: “The tigers in captivity also help raise awareness and inspire visitors to do what they can to support these projects that are protecting these amazing animals in the Russian Far East and northeast China.
Privacy: Minerva and her cubs will be kept from public view until the New Year
“Not only is Woburn Safari Park playing a role in the Amur tiger breeding programme, but it is also raising funds for the Amur Leopard and Tiger Alliance which supports conservation activities such as anti-poaching and population monitoring.”
On May, three Siberian tiger cubs were born at Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
