Five critically endangered Malayan tiger cubs are doing well after being born at the Tulsa Zoo. They were born overnight on Aug. 8 and 9, to mother, Ava, and father, Raja. There are three male cubs and two female cubs.

Both Ava and the cubs will stay in an off-exhibit area until Tulsa Zoo staff are confident the cubs can navigate the exhibit safely. The zoo will set up a live feed of the den, so the public can view mother and 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.”

This is Ava’s third litter of cubs. She has previously cared for two cubs, Indrah and Dara.  Ava has proven to be an attentive mother and is already showing signs of healthy bonding and maternal instincts, taking excellent care of the cubs.

The Tulsa Zoo is a long-time partner with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Malayan Tiger Species Survival Plan. This program works to ensure a sustainable population of these animals in AZA care. Currently, there are 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.”

Malayan tigers are native to the Malay Peninsula and 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.