Critically endangered tiger cubs born at Sunset Zoo in Manhattan

MANHATTAN, Kan. ( KSNT ) – Staff at the Sunset Zoo are announcing the successful birth of two Malayan tiger cubs in a first-ever event for the Little Apple.

Melissa Kirkwood with the City of Manhattan said in a press release that two cubs were born on Aug. 23, 2024, to Indrah and Jaya. The births mark a big moment for both the zoo and the critically endangered species.

“The successful birth of these tigers is a triumph for Sunset Zoo and conservationists worldwide who are striving to protect Malayan tigers and other endangered species from extinction,” Kirkwood said in the press release.

Malayan tigers are one of the most critically endangered subspecies, with only 150 or fewer left in the wild. Poaching, habitat destruction and human-wildlife conflict have killed the species.

“The birth of these tiger cubs is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve through collaboration and dedication to conservation,” said Scott Shoemaker, director of the Sunset Zoo. “We hope that these cubs will inspire people to take action to protect Malayan tigers in the wild, as they are nearing extinction.”

Kirkwood said the Sunset Zoo cares for five of the 56 Malayan tigers in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Malayan Tiger Species Survival Plan. The tiger cubs in Manhattan will be monitored by zoo staff to ensure they grow up healthy.

“It took an incredible effort and several years to get to this point. Considerable hard work and continued dedication on behalf of our keeper staff went into this process, and we are incredibly proud of the care we can provide our first-time mom, Indrah, and her cubs,” said headkeeper Caitlin Kenney.

The names of the two cubs will be revealed at a later date once zoo staff can identify their sex. Learn more about the Sunset Zoo by clicking here .

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