A wildlife park in Merseyside has celebrated the arrival of two endangered tiger cubs for the first time in almost three decades.
The Amur tiger cubs were born at Knowsley Safari on July 29, marking a crucial achievement for conservation efforts.
The birth represents a significant development for the species, which faces critical endangerment with approximately 500 individuals surviving in their natural habitat.
Knowsley Safari
|A wildlife park in Merseyside has celebrated the arrival of two endangered tiger cubs for the first time in almost three decades
These magnificent felines, recognised as the world's largest tiger subspecies, have been classified as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
The successful breeding marks Knowsley Safari's first tiger births since 1996.
The cubs' mother, a five-year-old tigress called Yuki, came to the park in February as part of an international breeding initiative.
She has been caring for her newborns in their shelter, successfully nursing and forming bonds with them.
Their father, seven-year-old Makari, continues to occupy an adjacent enclosure.
Knowsley Safari
|The birth represents a significant development for the species, which faces critical endangerment with approximately 500 individuals surviving in their natural habitat
Park officials report that the cubs' gender will remain unknown until veterinary examinations at eight weeks.
Guests can currently observe the young tigers through the facility's 'Cub Cam' system on the Tiger Trail, which spans 10,000 square metres. The cubs are anticipated to explore their outdoor habitat from autumn onwards.
These represent the first Amur tiger births in Britain since four female cubs arrived at Longleat Safari in May 2024.
Wild populations face severe pressure from illegal hunting and habitat destruction caused by timber extraction and forest clearance.
Conservation programmes like Knowsley's play an essential role in safeguarding the subspecies' future.
Knowsley Safari
|The Amur tiger cubs were born at Knowsley Safari on July 29, marking a crucial achievement for conservation efforts
The Merseyside facility joins a global network working to preserve these apex predators through managed breeding efforts.
Pete Johnson, who manages the carnivore team at Knowsley Safari, expressed his delight at the new arrivals.
"We're over the moon to welcome the new Amur tiger cubs and to see Yuki bonding with them so well," he said.
The team has been observing the family through remote monitoring systems.
"We're monitoring remotely and it's lovely to see the cubs finding their feet and getting noticeably bigger each day," Johnson added.
He emphasised the broader significance of the births for conservation efforts.
"Importantly, the cubs' arrival also brings hope for the future of these incredible big cats."