A rare miracle: four sumatran tigers born at ZOO Wrocław
October 18, 2024, Wrocław, Poland
We are thrilled and proud to announce the birth of four Sumatran tigers—one of the rarest and most endangered animals in the world. This is a breeding success of global significance.
We are the only zoo in Poland to breed these extraordinary predators. The birth of four cubs is a remarkable event—such a large litter is extremely rare, especially since all the cubs are developing healthily, growing into strong, active individuals. This year, Sumatran tigers have been born in only four zoos across Europe.
Three males and one female
The four tigers were born on July 22, 2024, and their arrival was the zoo’s best-kept secret. Our zoo always withholds information about newborns, as the period immediately after birth is critical for the young, and we only share the happy news once the animals are growing well and healthy. It was crucial to complete all planned vaccinations for the cubs before allowing them into the outdoor enclosure. They explored it for the first time on Wednesday, October 16, together with their mother and father.
“The birth of four Sumatran tigers is the greatest breeding success in recent years and an unprecedented event—a true global sensation. I applaud the efforts of the zoo’s staff, especially the carnivore keepers, whose work ensures the young develop healthily and contribute to the conservation of this endangered subspecies,” said Wrocław’s Mayor, Jacek Sutryk.
The parents of the cubs are Nuri and Tengah, who are doing a fantastic job raising them. Our pair already has an adult daughter, Surya, who now lives in Tierpark Cottbus. Her birth was a major event, and the arrival of four cubs is almost a phenomenon. “In large litters like this, not all the cubs typically survive to adulthood. This makes it all the more joyful that all four cubs are thriving, eating well, and actively playing with each other and their parents,” said Sergiusz Kmiecik, President of The Board of ZOO Wrocław, with visible pride.
“What’s interesting is that Tengah, the cubs’ father, has been involved from the start, which is unusual for tigers. He has been calm, gentle, and even helped Nuri care for the cubs, learning how to ‘handle’ the young. Currently, the cubs weigh over 8 kg, are growing well, and show no health issues,” explained Paweł Sroka, Curator of Carnivores at ZOO Wrocław.
The newborn tigers consist of three males and one female. Female tigers are more common in European zoos, so the birth of three males could help balance their population in zoos.
Critically Endangered Subspecies
Sumatran tigers are the smallest subspecies of tiger and are critically endangered, with only around 400 individuals left in the wild. Breeding them is crucial for conservation, and is carried out in just over 50 zoos across Europe. Wrocław Zoo has a long tradition of breeding Sumatran tigers, dating back to the 1960s—Nuri’s great-grandmother, Abra, was also born at our zoo.
Wrocław zoo and the ZOO Wrocław Foundation—DODO actively support the protection of tigers in Sumatra, working with the WildCats Conservation Alliance. Our efforts help fund patrols of Kerinci Seblat National Park, where these tigers live in the wild. Combatting poaching, removing snares, and educating local communities help reduce threats to Sumatran tigers. In recent years, 70 poachers have been arrested, and discussions with local authorities about alternative livelihoods for the local population have been initiated.
In addition to poaching, habitat loss—due to the expansion of palm oil and coffee plantations—is the biggest threat to Sumatran tigers. Therefore, protecting these predators is not only a challenge but also a shared responsibility.
We warmly invite you to Wrocław zoo to see the four young Sumatran tigers and learn more about our conservation efforts. The cubs will now be appearing in the outdoor enclosure, so keep an eye out for them—at least when the weather is good enough and doesn’t force them to come back to the shelter.
Media Contact:
Weronika Łysek
Spokesperson of ZOO Wrocław
w.lysek@zoo.wroc.pl
+48 502 579 359
