Four new tiger cubs, and a first for the park.

Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury has announced the birth of four critically endangered Sumatran tiger cubs, calling it a “historic conservation milestone”.

The park said the cubs are the first of the breed to be born at the site. They were born on 9 April and have spent their first few weeks “tucked safely away” in a den with their mother, Tipah.

A spokesperson said: “This is a hugely significant moment for Howletts and for the conservation of this extraordinary species.”

Howletts said there were fewer than 400 Sumatran tigers remaining in the wild, meaning the cubs provided a “hugely significant boost” for the future of the species.

Keepers said all four cubs were “healthy, fluffy and growing well”. They said one “especially vocal” cub often calls for her mother when she wanders too far away, while another is already noticeably bigger than its siblings.

The park said the cubs’ gender has not yet been confirmed.

Tipah, who was born in January 2019, is described by the park as “independent, cheeky and inquisitive” and has produced one of the largest litters recorded for Sumatran tigers in captivity.

Since becoming a mother, keepers said she has settled “beautifully” into her new role and is proving to be “calm, attentive and content”, while trusting her keepers to be nearby but not too close.

The cubs’ father, Nakal, joined the park in July 2025. Keepers said he appeared to miss Tipah’s company after becoming a father and spending time apart during the early weeks.

According to Edinburgh Zoo, Sumatran tigers are critically endangered due to habitat destruction and poaching. They are the smallest tiger subspecies and are native to Sumatra, one of Indonesia’s largest islands.

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