BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- Zoo officials announced the birth of six rare Bengal white tigers, saying that their arrival increased the overall population of the endangered animals to 210.
The three male and three female tigers were born on November 18 but it wasn't announced until Tuesday, when they were allowed to cavort in front the public for the first time.
It is the second time the mother, Bety, and her mate, Conde, have become parents since they arrived at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1997. A year and a half ago, Bety gave birth to triplets.
The six new cubs -- some with black-striped bodies and piercing blue eyes -- are healthy and developing normally, said zoo spokeswoman Alejandra Durruty.
Hunted nearly to extinction in their native Asia, the World Wildlife Fund says few white tigers now remain in the wild and most are protected in zoos, putting the total worldwide at 210.
On Tuesday, dozens of kids watched from behind plexiglass as the cubs cavorted in their pen. Officials said they are planning a contest in which children will name the cubs.
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Animal Guy Posted: Jan 11 2004, 10:59 AM
That's wonderfull! And cute too!
It's nice to know some people care about animals enough to the responsibility to tend for them!
This post has been edited by Animal Guy on Jan 11 2004, 07:19 PM
J. Mand Posted: Jan 11 2004, 12:34 PM
Congratz times six to mrs Tiger!
Crocsrule Posted: Jan 11 2004, 07:14 PM
Well that's going to be a handful! 6 cubs that the zookeeper has to look after.
kielo91 Posted: Jan 11 2004, 08:25 PM
Oh, how wonderful it is to hear that! It's such a joy to hear about the birth of an animal of a species that's endangered. It's too bad there's only 210 white tigers world-wide, but yet with the birth of these cubs, hopefully they will grow to be healthy adults and have cubs of their own. The more the better!
Raindragon Posted: Jan 12 2004, 12:54 AM
I think I heard about this on TV. It's fantastic news! Good luck to all 6 of them