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by Thom Morris

A pair of Siberian tiger cubs have been let out for the
first time at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park this week.

The two female cubs were born to Tugar and Ingrid on June 27. At
just six-weeks-old the cubs are beginning to take their first steps
out from the safety of their birthing shed.

Head Big Cat Keeper Rich Barnes, who has worked with the tigers
for seven years, said: "We were fairly confident that Ingrid was
pregnant. After witnessing her mating she began to put on weight
and she became calmer and more lethargic. After a gestation period
of about three months Ingrid retired alone to her shed for a short
time, and sure enough, when we checked on her, we spotted the two
cubs."

Siberian tigers are endangered and it is estimated
that fewer than 500 remain in the wild today. They are under
threat from poaching and a loss of their prey.

Mr Barnes added: "We are all really chuffed with the cubs'
arrival and although we have not seen much of them yet we are
looking forward to learning their individual characters as the
weeks progress. Ingrid has proven herself as a good mum in the past
and we are really pleased with how she and the new arrivals are
doing. The cubs are getting more confident by the day."

Port Lympne is seeking name suggestions for one of the cubs from the public. Names can be submitted at the park or online and the winning name will be announced on August 24.

To find out more about visiting the park, to take part in the naming competition or to adopt Tugar or Ingrid from £3 per month visit www.aspinallfoundation.org