Sumatran tiger cubs born in Greece as zoos build safety net
On Tuesday, three two-month-old Sumatran tiger cubs at Attica Zoological Park in Spata, Greece, were microchipped and received their initial vaccinations. This initiative is part of a worldwide effort to establish a backup population for the critically endangered species. The Sumatran tiger, native to the Indonesian island of Sumatra—slightly larger than Sweden—faces severe threats, with estimates suggesting only around 400 remain in the wild due to extensive deforestation. Classified alongside the South China and Malayan tigers as critically endangered, these cubs represent a glimmer of hope for a species in peril. Veterinarian Arsinoi Psaroudaki, with the help of big cats keeper Myrto Mikrogeorgiou, administered the vaccinations. Theodoros Babilis, head keeper of cats and monkeys, emphasized the Sumatran tiger's precarious status among the world's felines.
Key facts
- Three two-month-old Sumatran tiger cubs received microchips and vaccinations on Tuesday at Attica Zoological Park in Spata, Greece.
- The Sumatran tiger is classified as critically endangered.
- The species is found only on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, which is slightly larger than Sweden.
- As few as 400 Sumatran tigers are believed to remain in the wild.
- The main threat is aggressive forest clearing.
- The Sumatran tiger joins the South China tiger and the Malayan tiger in the category of severe risk.
- Veterinarian Arsinoi Psaroudaki administered the first vaccination, assisted by keeper Myrto Mikrogeorgiou.
- Theodoros Babilis, head keeper of cats and monkeys at Attica Zoological Park, commented on the species' threatened status.
Entities
Institutions
- Attica Zoological Park
Locations
- Spata
- Greece
- Sumatra
- Indonesia
- Sweden