Guest guest Posted July 22, 2006 Report Share Posted July 22, 2006 Saturday July 22, 2006-The Star Siberian Bengal tiger cubs joy for Senai zoo *By MEERA VIJAYAN * *JOHOR BARU:* Four furry Siberian Bengal tiger cubs have just caught their first glimpse of the world in the privately owned Saleng Zoo in Senai. The cubs – born two weeks ago to eight-year-old Rainbow and her mate 12-year-old Kumba – opened their eyes a few days ago. To protect them from disturbance, the zoo management has cordoned off Rainbow's cage and partially covered the sides with plastic sheets so that the tigress can nurse and bond with her young in peace. And yesterday, Rainbow was found suckling the cubs contentedly. After the feed, she got up for a leisurely stroll while her adorable cubs stretched out lazily and snoozed. However, said caretaker and animal trainer J. Siva Priyan, 43, the little tiger cubs should be ready to meet the public come National Day on Aug 31. " For now, we want the mother and her cubs to be comfortable, " he said. According to him, zookeepers usually separated an expectant tigress from other tigers and cordoned off the area about a week or two before delivery. " We know the gestation period for tigers is about 90 days and we try to make sure the tigress has a stress-free environment, " he said. The tigress is also fed with an increased amount of food. " With the love and dedication from our keepers, all four cubs have managed to survive, " said Siva Priyan. Tigers have an average lifespan of about 25 years. Adults at the zoo are fed 5kg of meat a day, such as chicken, beef and wild boar. The Saleng Zoo is home to 18 tigers and other animals including lions, bears, arapaima fish, crocodiles and pythons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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