Tiger Territory

Two of the world’s rarest tigers have been born at ZSL London Zoo, with zookeepers capturing their first moments on hidden cameras.

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The as-yet unsexed twins were born to seven-year-old Sumatran tigress Melati, on Monday 27 June 2016, after a 108-day pregnancy.

Keeping a close eye on the pregnant tigress, zookeepers noticed she was going into labour and monitored the births using a remote camera system they’ve nicknamed cubcam.

They watched excitedly as the first cub arrived at 9:19am, followed by the second at 10:02am. After a thorough clean from mum the youngsters nestled in for their first feed.

Melati and her cubs, who have yet to open their eyes, remain largely tucked away together inside their special cubbing dens with Melati occasionally venturing outside for food.

Assistant curator of mammals Teague Stubbington said: “We’re overjoyed with our new arrivals, and with how Melati is responding to her two cubs.

“The cubcam allows us to observe the youngsters 24/7 while not disturbing mum or dad at all, which is ideal while they get to know their babies. 

“One of us is always on duty to keep an eye on the little ones throughout the night. Dad Jae Jae has also been spotted taking a peek at his new-borns!”

With wild Sumatran tiger numbers estimated to be as low as 300 individuals, the cubs represent a huge achievement not just for ZSL London Zoo but for the global breeding programme of this critically endangered species.

ZSL works in Indonesia to protect wild Sumatran tigers, and country manager Andjar Rafiastanto said: “This is exciting news for the Sumatran tiger, a flagship species for the ZSL conservation programme in Indonesia.

“ZSL has been in Sumatra for more than 14 years, working with our government counterparts to increase the protection of Sumatran tigers. The birth of these two tiger cubs brings us hope for their long-term survival.”

Find out all about the male resident of ZSL London Zoo's Sumatran tiger exhibit Tiger Territory.

Jae Jae is a handsome male Sumatran tiger with a unique and eye-catching ruff of fur.

Born in San Francisco Zoo, Jae Jae moved to Akron Zoo, Ohio with his brothers Kami Sambol, and Burung when they were all a year old.

In autumn 2012, Jae Jae went the distance for love, travelling to his new home in ZSL London Zoo to meet female tiger Melati as part of the global breeding programme for this critically endangered species.

After successful introductions by zookeepers it's clear Jae Jae and feisty Australian Melati are a good match and the relaxed Romeo seems quite smitten with the new lady in his life.

On 3 February 2014, Jae Jae became a dad to Nakal, Budi and Cinta - vital additions to the international breeding programme for this critically endangered species. The trio were moved to other zoos at the beginning of 2016 to start their own breeding groups.

Jae Jae loves trying out new things and is always up for an adventure – be that bravely checking out a new paddock or getting to grips with a new toy. Quickly capturing the hearts of his keepers, Jae Jae is a fast learner and friendly to all he meets.

Jae Jae loves showing off his climbing skills on the five metre tall feeding pole – and he loves it even more when there’s a tasty treat at the top.

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Find out all about the female resident of ZSL London Zoo's exhibit Tiger Territory.

Melati is a young female Sumatran tiger with delicate feminine features. She is noticeably smaller than male Jae Jae.

Moving to ZSL London Zoo from the west coast of Australia, Melati lived in Perth Zoo with her twin brother Jaya until she was two years old, when they were moved into separate enclosures.

Her father Hari was born at ZSL London Zoo, so she’s returning to her British roots.

Zookeepers say that Melati is an intelligent and careful cat – taking her time to assess situations before jumping in paws-first. Unlike her roommate Jae Jae, Melati prefers to get to know people before deciding whether she likes them but she’s a loyal friend once she does.

Tigers live in a world of smells and keepers regularly spray perfume around Tiger Territory as enrichment for the big cats. Melati is a girls’ girl through and through – her favourite scent is the ultra- feminine Chanel No.5.

On the 3 February 2014, Melati gave birth to three cubs, Nakal, Budi and Cinta - vital new additions to the international breeding programme for this critically endangered species. The trio were moved to other zoos at the start of 2016 to start their own breeding groups.