Three playful white tiger cubs recently made their first appearance at Tokyo’s Tobu Zoo, charming visitors with their lively nature.
Born to seven-year-old tigress Karla, these fluffy cubs have quickly become popular, with visitors lining up for more than an hour to see them.
The cubs, measuring 11 to 16 inches and weighing around 11 pounds each, draw attention for their rare coloration, resulting from a genetic anomaly found only among white Bengal tigers.
Such unique tigers are rare in the wild, with only about 250 existing worldwide, largely in captivity due to their distinct appearance. This rarity has made them a highlight in zoos and circuses globally.
Among the visitors, Yūsuke Terada, an architect, shared his excitement about the family bond he witnessed.
“Seeing such tiny babies thrilled me,” he said. “Watching the three cubs play with their mother close by was like seeing a lovely family moment.”
Of the three cubs, two are male and one female. They are still nursing but are beginning to explore solid foods, taking an interest in the meat that their mother enjoys. White tigers, while visually similar to Bengal tigers, are generally larger.
However, conservationists urge a focus on preserving genetically diverse tiger populations that are also endangered.
The cubs’ father, Rocky, is also adjusting to their presence. Having only been familiar with Karla in the enclosure next door, he appeared curious about the new arrivals when he saw them for the first time.
“At first, he seemed to wonder, ‘What are these? This is something new to me,’” shared zookeeper Hiroki Itakura. “He may not yet recognize them as fellow white tigers.”
With the arrival of these charming cubs, Tobu Zoo offers a rare glimpse into the life of one of nature’s most unique and beloved animals.
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