Ljubljana Zoo celebrates birth of three endangered Siberian tiger cubs

Ljubljana Zoo is celebrating the arrival of three Siberian tiger cubs, a significant event for the critically endangered species. The cubs, born to mother Arisa and father Ussuri, represent a hopeful development for conservation efforts.

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We were not really expecting, but hoping, working on it because we have a good breeding pair. So we were also a bit surprised and of course very happy.

Zoo workers expressed a mix of surprise and joy at the birth, as successful breeding of large wild cats in captivity is notoriously difficult. "We were not really expecting, but hoping, working on it because we have a good breeding pair," said one staff member. "So we were also a bit surprised and of course very happy."

The cubs, born on May 27, are currently kept isolated with their mother for safety. Visitors can watch them on a live video stream, with many expressing delight at the sight. "The sight was really fabulous," said visitor Barbara Gallaido. "I’ve seen tigers in the wild in India, but not like this, not with cubs."

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The sight was really fabulous. I’ve seen tigers in the wild in India, but not like this, not with cubs. It was really great.

Arisa, a first-time mother, is reportedly caring for her cubs diligently, licking and breastfeeding them. While staff are pleased with the initial progress, they remain cautiously optimistic. "So far so good. But ... we still need to wait and see what will happen," a zoo representative noted, highlighting the vulnerability of newborn cubs.

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She is constantly licking them (cubs,) breastfeeding them and they are resting together. So far so good. But ... we still need to wait and see what will happen.