Fota Wildlife Park is celebrating a landmark summer after welcoming two endangered Sumatran tiger cubs – the first time the Cork attraction has recorded more than one tiger cub in a single litter.
The cubs, born last month to mother Jambi and father Batak, remain under the close watch of their parents as they continue to grow behind the scenes.
Adding to the celebrations, the wildlife park has also announced the birth of three endangered Asian lion cubs. The litter arrived on July 1 to nine-year-old Arya and 10-year-old Yali, marking the pair’s second successful litter together.
The latest arrivals cap off an extraordinary few months at Fota, which has also welcomed a critically endangered Nubian giraffe calf, two European bison calves, a François’ langur infant and six meerkat pups.
Lead Ranger John Leahy said staff were delighted by the recent births.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to announce the birth of both sets of cubs. I have to pinch myself when I think about the fact that we’re announcing both Sumatran tiger and Asian lion cubs this summer,” he said.
Fota Wildlife Park plays an important role in international and Irish conservation programmes. Alongside its breeding work with endangered species such as Sumatran tigers and Asian lions, the park is a partner in the Breeding Waders European Innovation Partnership (EIP) for the curlew and works with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and other organisations to protect native species including the natterjack toad, white-clawed crayfish and the corncrake.
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