Excitement at Roosevelt Park Zoo as Amur Tiger Zoya Welcomes Triplets
The Roosevelt Park Zoo in North Dakota is abuzz with excitement as it welcomes three adorable new additions to its family. According to a spokesperson for the zoo, Zoya, the Amur tiger residing at the facility, gave birth to triplets over the weekend, marking a significant moment for conservation efforts and the zoo community.
The arrival of the cubs was a cause for celebration, with the first cub making its appearance before dawn on Saturday, followed by the birth of the last cub later that morning. Zoya, a four-year-old Amur tiger, was originally from the Philadelphia Zoo before being transferred to Roosevelt Park Zoo in August 2019. This move was facilitated by the Amur Tiger Species Survival Program (SSP), which identified Zoya and the male Amur tiger Viktor as a compatible breeding pair. The Amur tiger, listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, highlights the importance of such breeding programs in ensuring the survival of vulnerable species.
Jeff Bullock, the director of the Roosevelt Park Zoo, commended the staff for their meticulous planning and dedication in monitoring Zoya’s pregnancy journey. Despite not having advanced technology, the team accurately tracked her progress from breeding introductions to predicting the timing of the births. Zoya has exhibited exceptional maternal instincts, and the zookeepers are allowing her time to bond with her cubs before conducting any vet checks or interventions.