Meet the Newest Twin Tiger Cubs at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

By Margo Gothelf 2 min read

These two tiny tiger cubs are the newest residents of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.

The two cubs were born on Nov. 20 at 11:40 a.m. to 6-year-old mother, Dorcas. The nameless newborn tigers are part of the critically endangered Sumatran tiger species.

This is the second time a Sumatran tiger has been born at the zoo. The first tiger, Kinleigh Rose, was the first Sumatran tiger born at the zoo during its 102-year history.

Because of the zookeepers’ strong relationship with Dorcas, they were able to take the cubs away for a short period of time to give them a medical examination. The cubs both weighed in at 4.5 pounds with no health problems in sight.

The newborn tigers currently are staying with their mother in a nesting box out of sight from zoo visitors. However, the tigers can be seen on a live stream located in the zoo’s Land of the Tiger exhibit.

The tigers have a long way to go before they can be released freely into the exhibit. The cubs must undergo a series of vaccinations, health tests, and a swim test before they can roam on their own.

With the help of their mother, Dorcas, and the staff, the tiny cubs will be on their own before they know it.

“One of the biggest pleasures as the zoo’s tiger-management program evolves is watching the effect that it has on the wellness of our animals,” Dan Dembiec, supervisor of mammals, told Click Orlando. “Dorcas started out as a skittish and shy tigress, but she is now a confident and skilled mother. She is a natural at providing her cubs with the necessary care to help them develop, and this is reflective of the care that she has received from the staff at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.”