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Tampa Zoo Visitors Getting First Looks At White Tiger Cubs

Lowry Park Zoo

Two white tiger cubs born at Lowry Park Zoo in October are venturing into public.

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By KEITH MORELLI | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 24, 2008

Updated: 11/24/2008 02:08 pm

TAMPA - Two cute-as-buttons white tiger cubs born at Lowry Park Zoo in October are venturing into the public, giving morning zoogoers a glimpse — if they are lucky — of the rare pair.

The 7-week-old cubs were kept behind closed doors until recently, when they started exploring more of the Asian Gardens area. Their mother is Nikki, and their father is Yala.

"The family is doing well, with mother and cubs spending most of their first weeks together off exhibit for their safety and privacy in bonding," according to a written statement released Monday by the zoo. "As the cubs have grown and matured, zoo staff has begun the process of offering access to the outdoor yard for short intervals as the family establishes a new pattern of behavior."

The yet-to-be-named cubs, a male and female, are the second litter for Nikki at the zoo. Born Oct. 4, the male cub weighed 3.6 pounds and the female cub 2.5 pounds.

"The cubs are now well-bonded with mom and are moving about with improving motor skills," according to the zoo. Even though the mother and father are an established couple, zoo officials say, Yala will be separated for the time being from his cubs for their safety.

The cubs recently have been allowed into the public exhibit for short periods of time with zookeepers present, said Rachel Nelson, a spokeswoman for the zoo.

"Some guests have gotten a sneak peek by walking by the exhibits during those moments," Nelson said. The cubs "appear to be adjusting well and will start a regular routine this week."

Zoo officials say the gestation period for tigers is three to four months. The average litter is two or three cubs, which weigh about 2 pounds at birth. Cubs are born with their eyes shut and rely on their mothers for everything for the first three months and nurse for many more.

"The survival of the cubs will be dependent upon the mother's ability to care and nurture them, the cubs' ability to fight any infections associated with normal birth, and the success of weaning and independence," the zoo says.

White tigers originate from Bengal tigers and are not albinos.

"They have blue eyes, a pink nose and white fur covered with chocolate-colored stripes," according to the zoo. "Wild white tigers are very rare because their white coats provide poor camouflage, making them easily spotted by prey."

Reporter Keith Morelli can be reached at (813) 259-7760 or kmorelli@tampatrib.com.

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