Tiger cubs make public debut at Tacoma zoo

Tiger cubs make public debut at Tacoma zoo

by GARY CHITTIM / KING 5 News
KING5.com
Posted on July 23, 2010 at 3:16 PM
Updated today at 6:03 PM

(See video at: http://www.king5.com/news/pets-and-animals/Tiger-Cubs-Thrill-Zoo-Visitors-99138814.html)

TACOMA, Wash. – Spectators jammed into a small viewing area at Tacoma’s Point Defiance Zoo Friday to catch a glimpse of two cubs whose births are being celebrated at zoos all over the country.

The two 8-week-old Sumatran tiger cubs made their first public appearance Friday. Along with their mother, Jaya, the two strolled behind the glass barricades only inches away from the faces of thrilled children.

The cubs put on a show, rolling, wrestling and bouncing around their mother until she settled them down to nurse for a few cuddly moments that brought out a chorus of “oohs” and “ahs” among visitors.

The two are instant stars and have an interesting background. Their father, a tiger on loan to the zoo, developed cancer and vets gave him only narrow chance of survival. Their mother was one of the first large cats to undergo an ultrasound while conscious.

On Friday, everyone got to see them and zoo officials are bracing for a flood of tiger fans over the next several weeks who will be asked to help name the tigers.

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium: http://www.pdza.org/

http://www.king5.com/news/pets-and-animals/Tiger-Cubs-Thrill-Zoo-Visitors-99138814.html

http://bigcatrescue.org