Two Sumatran Tiger Cubs Born at the Safari Park

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Celebrates the Birth of Two Sumatran Tiger Cubs

SAN DIEGO (July 27, 2023) – San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is celebrating the birth of two Sumatran tiger cubs—the first of this critically endangered species to be born at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s Tull Family Tiger Trail habitat in seven years. Their birth also comes just in time for Global Tiger Day. With only an estimated 400 to 600 Sumatran tigers remaining on Earth, the births are significant in increasing the worldwide population of this tiger species and furthering the nonprofit conservation organization’s ongoing work to conserve them.

The cubs, a female and a male, were born July 12 to first-time mother Diana. Wildlife care specialists are closely monitoring Diana and her cubs, and they report that Diana is an extremely attentive and gentle mother. The cubs appear strong, and are nursing frequently.

“We are elated about the birth of these tiger cubs,” said Lisa Peterson, executive director, San Diego Zoo Safari Park. “It has been years since we’ve had cubs at Tiger Trail, and we can’t wait to share them with the community.” Added Peterson, “These births are so important to the conservation of this species. Our hope is these cubs will provide an opportunity for our guests to gain a greater appreciation for tigers and the important need to conserve them in their native habitats.”

The births are a result of a breeding recommendation through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Sumatran Tiger Species Survival Plan (SSP). Each SSP program, overseen by conservationists nationwide, ensures genetic diversity and healthy, self-sustaining assurance populations of threatened and endangered wildlife.

Sumatran tigers are listed as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. Tigers face many challenges, including loss of habitat, challenges to human-wildlife coexistence and poaching. People can help protect tigers by avoiding products made with non-sustainable palm oil, an industry that harms tiger habitats; and by refusing to purchase items made from endangered wildlife.

Diana and her cubs will remain in her den for several weeks. This window of time is crucial, as it allows the youngsters to bond with and learn from their mother. When Diana is ready, she will bring her cubs out of the den. Wildlife care specialists estimate this will happen when the cubs are 8 to 10 weeks old.

UPDATE: SAN DIEGO (September 12, 2023) – Two Sumatran tiger cubs, born at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in July, have now been officially named. The female cub is Puteri (pronounced Poo-tear-e), which means “princess” in Malay; and the male cub is Hutan (pronounced Hoo-taan), which means “forest.”

UPDATE: SAN DIEGO (October 12, 2023) – Two critically endangered Sumatran tiger cubs emerged from their den today at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The cubs, born July 12, stepped out to explore their outdoor habitat, much to the delight of wildlife care staff and volunteers.

Join us in celebrating the arrival of the first tiger cubs born in seven years at the Safari Park’s Tull Family Tiger Trail habitat. Browse and shop our collection of commemorative tees, rompers, plush animals, accessories and more. Your purchase of tiger cub goods help raise awareness and support for tiger conservation. Protect critically endangered Sumatran tigers by shopping our tiger collection here.