Nashville Zoo Welcomes Trio Of Endangered Sumantra Tiger Cubs For The First Time

In a joyful revelation from the Nashville Zoo, they were able to confirm the sex of the three adorable Sumatran tiger cubs born Friday, October 20—one male and two females.

According to zoo officials, the cubs, offspring of first-time mother Anne and father Felix, are currently in the phase where one cub has barely opened its eyes and the others are yet to do so.

Zoo officials are opting to wait before assigning names, wanting to observe the distinct personalities of each cub.

This milestone marks the first instance of Sumatran tiger births at the Nashville Zoo. The pregnancy was also the first for mother Anne, who arrived at the Nashville Zoo from the San Diego Zoo in December.

The father, Felix, is currently on exhibit at the zoo but is being kept away from Anne so she may have a quiet and non-threatening environment.

“They have separate halves of the building. She can’t even see him because her job is to protect her cubs. We're trying to keep the building as calm and quiet as possible," said Mammal Curator Cinammon Williams.

This event emphasizes their dedication to the conservation of this critically endangered species. Sumatran tigers face an alarming population decline, with only an estimated 400–600 left globally.

Currently, there are around 235 Sumatran tigers under human care globally, with just under 70 cared for in AZA-accredited zoos in North America.

The attentive care provided by Anne, the first-time mother Sumatran tiger at the Nashville Zoo, is garnering admiration from the veterinary staff.

Cinnamon Williams, the Mammal Curator, and her team have been closely monitoring Anne's labor, delivery, and maternal instincts through a camera placed in the tiger's den.

Anne has proven to be an exemplary mother, exhibiting perfect behavior and a keen sense of attentiveness. All three cubs born to Anne are thriving, and there is a heartening sight of them nursing, signaling a positive start to their early days.

The vigilant observation of Anne's maternal care underscores the zoo's commitment to ensuring the well-being and development of the Sumatran tiger cubs.

The Nashville Zoo is creating a secluded and private space for Anne and her three cubs, allowing them to bond without any external disruptions.

This thoughtful approach is part of the zoo's strategy to provide a serene and comfortable environment for Anne and her newborns, enhancing the bonding experience.

To facilitate this, veterinary staff members are refraining from approaching the building where Anne and the cubs are housed, ensuring a peaceful setting for the crucial early stages of their relationship.

This intentional seclusion underscores the zoo's commitment to prioritizing the well-being and natural behaviors of its animal residents.

In the coming days, the dedicated veterinary and animal care teams at the Nashville Zoo will maintain a watchful eye on Anne's maternal instincts.

Gradually, they will reintroduce the keepers' daily routines, aiming to strike a balance that respects Anne's needs and ensures the well-being of the cubs.

The delicate process includes coaxing Anne away from her cubs at times and allowing the veterinary staff to conduct essential examinations to assess the weight and overall health of the adorable trio.

Keepers are optimistic that, if all progresses smoothly, Anne will continue nurturing her cubs for the next few months before making a public debut, delighting visitors with the charming sight of the zoo's newest Sumatran tiger family.