With the number of endangered species rising, it’s always a breath of fresh air when a species of their kind gives birth.
In most sanctuaries and animal habitats, preserving these animals are of utmost importance. The fight against extinction is a fight that should never be given up.
This particular story is about Amur tigers.
Formerly known as Panthera tigris altaica, they are now commonly called the Siberian tiger.
The Amur tiger is one of the biggest cats worldwide.
Unfortunately, there are just an estimated 500 to 550 tigers of this kind found in the Russian Far East with a handful ranging across the border into China and North Korea.
On May 3, 2021, the Toronto Zoo was ecstatic to announce the birth of Amur tigers under their care.
Mazyria, fondly called by the zoo’s staff and volunteers “Mazy,” successfully gave birth to three beautiful cubs on the night of April 30, 2021 until the morning after.
Mazy was pregnant for 104 days.
“Mom and cubs are doing well; Wildlife Care Keepers have been monitoring them closely using remote cameras to minimize disturbance – a key factor to ensure that the mom and cubs bond well,” the zoo posted.
“So far, Mazyria is being an exemplary mother, nursing and grooming the cubs regularly, but the first month remains critical for these new arrivals.”
In the Species Survival Plan (SSP), Mazy is one of the oldest Amur tigers to safely deliver babies at a ripe age of 14 years old.
The Amur Tiger SSP safeguards the genetic health of the Amur tiger population in an effort to prevent species extinction.
“This birth is an important contribution to a genetically healthy Amur tiger population,” Dolf De Jong, Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Zoo, said. “Amur tigers are under increasing pressure due to habitat loss and illegal hunting.”
“It is important to educate the public on their plight in the wild and do everything we can to mitigate the threats they face and halt declining populations,” he continued. “Together, we can make a positive difference!”
However, two of the newborn cubs didn’t make it and passed away due to health issues.
Ready to meet #TOTigerCub? 🐯👀
Starting today, you can catch a glimpse of her from 10:00am to 5:00pm daily within the Amur tiger habitat 🐯 We do anticipate long lineups to see this little one as a limited number of guests will be able to view the cub at a time 🐾 pic.twitter.com/ctwnZxtCoA
— The Toronto Zoo (@TheTorontoZoo) July 12, 2021
The Toronto Zoo opened the place for a special exhibit where an Amur tiger cub was displayed for the very first after so many years.
Visitors were able to take a glance at the gorgeous cub from 10 AM to 5 PM.
In a video, the media were lucky enough to take the first look at the zoo’s newest member. He was yet to be named.
Staff fondly called him “Big.”
The clip showed Big walking to his mother to play with her. The mother tiger was quick to grant her son’s request. I mean, who can resist that adorable cub?
Big rolled around and cuddled with his mom as the tigress lovingly licks her cub.
It was such a sight to see!
Despite being relatively young, we can already see the special bond the two has.
Although the news of the other two cubs not surviving was deeply saddening, it’s a joy to watch the very healthy Big enjoy his stay at the Toronto zoo.
We only hope that the Amur tiger species can one day be out of the endangered species list.
Watch the video below to watch Big be playful with his mom Mazy!
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