Tiger mom defies odds to save lifeless cub – heartwarming bond captures hearts
Tigers, known for their strength and aggression, have always fascinated us. But it’s their gentle and caring side that truly captures our hearts, especially when they interact with their cubs. In a heartwarming video that recently resurfaced, one tiger mother’s instincts prevailed when she gave birth to twin cubs, one of whom was stillborn.
The video tells the incredible story of Kaitlyn, a critically endangered Sumatran tiger, who delivered a litter of cubs at Australia Zoo in 2014. Every cub born to Kaitlyn’s subspecies is crucial for their survival, as other tiger subspecies have already gone extinct.
Kaitlyn is alone in a room, monitored by experts through a TV screen to give her the privacy she needs. As the first cub emerges, Kaitlyn instinctively licks it, stimulating the baby’s breathing. Unfortunately, the cub appears lifeless, leaving the zookeepers anxious. Undeterred, Kaitlyn continues to gently lick the cub’s face, clearing its airways. After two tense minutes, the cub finally gasps for air, although it initially struggles to breathe properly. Moments later, the baby starts to breathe regularly, much to everyone’s relief.
“Good girl!” praises Giles Clark, head of Australia Zoo’s tiger department, who oversaw the birth. Another expert exclaims, “She’s an incredible mom, just watch!” The arrival of the second cub brings joy and excitement as it kicks and yelps immediately. These two cubs, Clarence and Hunter, brought immense happiness to Kaitlyn and the staff at Australia Zoo.
In 2016, Kaitlyn gave birth to another set of twins, a male named Scout and a female named Delilah. Clark expresses his excitement, stating, “We’re thrilled about Kaitlyn’s brand new cubs. We have a strong bond, or rather, a friendship, that allows us to interact with them intimately.”
“These cubs symbolize hope for the ongoing global breeding program dedicated to the survival of Sumatran tigers. Their mother, Kaitlyn, has a unique bloodline, and she has passed on this valuable genetic legacy to her cubs,” adds Clark.
The Struggle to Save a Critically Endangered Tiger Subspecies
Sumatran tigers, once found in various areas in Indonesia’s Sunda Islands, now face the threat of extinction, with less than 400 individuals left. They can only be found in protected lands in Sumatra. Being the smallest subspecies of tigers, they grow up to eight feet in length and weigh between 165 and 300 pounds. With darker orange fur and closely spaced stripes, they possess unique characteristics.
Unfortunately, habitat loss and poaching pose significant threats to Sumatran tigers. Deforestation has resulted in a decrease in prey availability, while palm oil plantations have taken over their natural habitats. Poachers target tigers for their teeth, which are used to make high-status products like jewelry and fur. As a result, Sumatran tigers are now confined to national parks and protected areas.
In 2014, Indonesia took a significant step to protect tigers by making poaching illegal, with religious leaders showing their opposition to such acts. Alongside these conservation efforts, developmental programs are supporting local communities to ensure they don’t resort to poaching to feed their families.
Captive breeding programs, like the one in Australia, are playing a vital role in understanding and aiding the reproduction of this subspecies. These efforts offer hope against the possibility of Sumatran tigers becoming extinct in our lifetime.
