The Tulsa Zoo welcomes 5 endangered Malayan tiger cubs

TULSA, Okla. — The Tulsa Zoo has welcomed five critically endangered Malayan tiger cubs after announcing earlier this month their Malayan tiger, Ava, was pregnant.

The zoo said the cubs were born overnight on Aug. 8 and 9, to mother, Ava, and father, Raja. There are three male cubs and two female cubs.

The zoo said both Ava and the cubs will stay in an off-exhibit area until staff are confident the cubs can navigate the exhibit safely, but no worries, you can still see the new cubs. The zoo said they will set up a live feed of the den, so the public can view Ava and her cubs when visiting the Lost Kingdom building.

"The ability to support a successful breeding program and assist these critically endangered tigers is why we chose to build the Helmerich Tiger Exhibit," said Zoological Curator of Mammals Jordan Piha. "Our animal care and veterinary staff have worked tirelessly over the years to make our program what it is today. I'm proud to see the vision we had for this facility come to fruition through the birth of these five healthy cubs."

According to the zoo, this is Ava's third litter of cubs. She previously cared for two cubs, Indrah and Dara. The zoo testified to Ava's motherly instincts saying she has proven to be an attentive mother and is already showing signs of healthy bonding with the cubs.

The Tulsa Zoo partners with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Malayan Tiger Species Survival Plan. Approximately 55 Malayan tigers in AZA facilities, Tulsa Zoo cares for nine.

"These five cubs are especially significant to the Malayan tiger population in AZA care because their father, Raja, is not represented within the population," said Piha. "They increase the genetic diversity, which will help us ensure these critically endangered animals can survive for years to come."

According to the zoo, the Malayan tigers are the national animal of Malaysia. They are critically endangered with fewer than 150 in the wild due to threats such as habitat loss and poaching.

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