Endangered tiger born at Kentucky zoo for first time in 20 years. See the newborn cub
Sumatran tigers are rare, which means each new birth calls for celebration. For a Kentucky zoo, they’re celebrating the first birth of a Sumatran tiger cub in over two decades.
The cub was born July 23 to 16-year-old male Kami Sambal and 14-year-old female Jingga. As the mom and her newborn cub bond, the Louisville Zoo staff are keeping an eye on the new family from a distance.
“Once a pregnancy is confirmed, then we construct a birthing box or a whelping box and we monitor continuously,” Jill Katka, assistant curator at the Louisville Zoo, said in a video.
Zoo staff is closely monitoring the mom and cub through a camera, which is now available for the public to view online.
Through the “Cub Cam,” viewers can witness both the mom and her cub thrive as they get to know each other.
“Jingga (is) displaying all the nurturing behaviors of an experienced mother, including grooming, nursing, and carrying her newborn,” the zoo said.
Occasionally, the zoo notes, Jingga may not be seen next to her newborn cub on the video because she needs short breaks throughout the day. However, she is always monitoring the newborn.
Jingga came to Louisville in 2022 from Topeka, Kansas, and Kami Sambal joined the Sumatran tigers in Louisville in 2023 after a stay in Oklahoma City.
“Jingga and Kami have had offspring with other tigers, combining to a total of 12 cubs overall! These offspring are in a variety of locations including Nashville, Oregon and Memphis. In fact, Jingga and Kami are grandparents already,” according to the zoo.
When the new cub is ready to mingle with others, it will have the chance to interact with Kami Sambal. However, the zoo notes that tigers don’t “coparent.”
There are few Sumatran tigers left in the wild — approximately 400 — and the species is considered critically endangered, the zoo said. They’re exclusive to the island of Sumatra, the largest island in Indonesia.
In the wild, this species preys on monkeys, wild pigs, fish and reptiles, according to the zoo. In Louisville, they’ll eat a “feline diet with assorted bones,” the zoo said.
On average, these tigers live up to 15 years in the wild and 20 years in captivity, according to National Geographic.
There is still much to be determined about Louisville’s young cub, including the sex and a name. The zoo said they’re in no rush, however, because secluded bonding time is essential.
This story was originally published July 30, 2024 at 3:02 PM with the headline "Endangered tiger born at Kentucky zoo for first time in 20 years. See the newborn cub."
