Tiger cubs to be on display at Holiday Light Safari
Santa brought the Alexandria Zoo an early Christmas present in the form of two tiger cubs last month.
Two male Malayan tigers were born Nov. 16 at the Alexandria Zoo, which waited to notify the public because two previous litters didn't survive. The cubs will be on display in a special viewing room during Holiday Light Safari beginning Friday. They are not available for viewing during regular daytime hours.
Their parents — Jammu and Yatti — live at the Alexandria Zoo, but the cubs are being hand-raised by zoo staff. The zoo worked with the Tiger Species Survival Plan coordinator to make this decision as Yatti was not taking care of them.
Lisa Laskoski, general curator at the zoo, has assumed the "mommy" role, taking the cubs home each night to continue their bottle feedings every three hours.
"She's their mom," Zoo Director Lee Ann Whitt said. "She completely takes care of them. ... She keeps them nourished and clean."
The breeding program works to maintain sustainable, genetically diverse tiger populations and supports research on tiger biology and care. The Alexandria Zoo has about 50 different SSP animals as conservation and research are part of the zoo's mission, Whitt said.
The program also raises awareness about tigers and funding for their conservation, which is important as fewer than 500 Malayan tigers (Panthera tigris jacksoni) remain in the wild and about 60 in captivity. Habitat loss and poaching of the tigers and their prey are the greatest threats to the species.
The cubs remain nameless for now. As they grow and their personalities begin to develop, the zoo will name them, possibly with input from the community.
"They're starting to get a little personality," Whitt said. "One of them is a little more anxious to get food."
As part of the survival program, the tigers eventually will be moved to another facility and paired with females for breeding. The Alexandria Zoo does not have unrelated females for the cubs nor does it have space for two more adult tigers. Whitt said cost also comes into play.
"There are the costs of maintaining them," she said. "They'll have big mouths and big stomachs."
They could stay at the zoo for up to two years and reach 220 to 350 pounds, an average weight for Malayan tigers. They average 7 to 9 feet in length. The species is native to the tropical forests of peninsular Malaysia.
The research portion of the tigers' survival program is studying the effectiveness of feline vaccines in large cats.
"As they receive vaccines, notes will be taken and results shared with other zoos," Whitt said.
At the zoo's annual Holiday Light Safari, patrons also can see hundreds of thousands of lights, wild animal-themed light displays, train rides, Santa Claus, educational and craft activities for kids, a bonfire and entertainment on select evenings. The event continues Friday and Saturday as well as Dec. 19-23 and 26-28 from 5:30-8 p.m.
Call (318) 441-6810 or visit www.thealexandriazoo.com for tickets or more information. The zoo also provides information through its Facebook and Twitter accounts.
How can you see the tigers?
WHAT: Special viewing room at Holiday Light Safari
WHEN: Dec. 12-13, 19-23 and 26-28 from 5:30-8 p.m.
WHERE: Alexandria Zoo
COST: $6 per person ages 4 and up
MORE: Call (318) 441-6810 or visit www.thealexandriazoo.com for tickets or more information.