Allwetterzoo Münster: First bathing trip of cute tiger cubs | Regional


Munster – “Hey, let me go first, little sister…” On Tuesday, 16 big paws, still a little wobbly, toddle through the enclosure – in midsummer temperatures of 31 degrees in the shade, the tiger siblings' first excursion is straight to the water in the enclosure.

Great family happiness at the Allwetterzoo Münster!

The year had begun very tragically for mother Raya (5) and her partner Fedor (10). In January, the female had, despite taking the pill, surprisingly two little babies were born brought – but the mother’s happiness was unfortunately short-lived: just two days later, the zoo had to report that both babies died are.

ZOO is having a good time – a brave tomcat has made himself comfortable in the water

ZOO is having a good time – a brave tomcat has made himself comfortable in the water

Photo: Andreas Wegener

“We were all the more pleased when Raya quickly became pregnant again. In May she had four small, healthy puppies,” says animal keeper Annika Kersten (29).

Four kids at once – not uncommon for tigers. After a gestation period of 95 to 112 days, up to seven cubs are born to these giant predators.

Who is getting on his mother's nerves?

Who is getting on his mother's nerves?

Photo: Andreas Wegener

The Münster quartet had to stay in the nursery with their mom for a long time, but the cuddly cats quickly gained a large fan base: the keepers posted videos of their first attempts at walking and their meals on mom's belly on social media.

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Tuesday is the big day for the eleven-week-old Cats-Offspring – the first outing, press event. At 10 a.m. there was a sumptuous breakfast for mother Raya, her three sons and her daughter. Kersten: “One tomcat already weighs ten kilos, the siblings all weigh 8.8 kilos. They mainly get their mother's milk, but they also nibble on their mother's food.” In the outdoor enclosure there were rabbits for everyone – a whopping four kilos.

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The cuddly babies only took a few bites, then licked their oversized paws clean, preferring to enjoy the Summer and the freedom to go their own way in the enclosure. One treated himself to a milk dessert from his mother, one bravely climbed a tree trunk, the others pushed each other on an old tire.

Papa Fedor called over a few times from the neighboring enclosure; he is currently banned from the house. “It's a safety measure; you never know how the tomcats will react to the little ones. But they can meet at the cuddle fence; he proves himself to be a caring father.” Fedor is also a very charming husband; he actually spends every day with his wife – the two only have separate bedrooms at night.

Dr. Simone Schehka has been managing the Allwetter-Zoo Münster for four years

Dr. Simone Schehka has been managing the Allwetter-Zoo Münster for four years

Photo: Andreas Wegener

The tiger family can stay together for one to two years, then the young ones have to move out. Münster Zoo director Dr. Simone Schehka: “Where the little ones will go is still unclear. A European species protection coordinator will decide that later.”

Family photo with three brothers and a sister: The siblings are rarely seen in one photo, they usually prefer to play together

Family photo with three brothers and a sister: The siblings are rarely seen in one photo, they usually prefer to play together

Photo: Andreas Wegener

The little ones don't have names yet – the Allwetterzoo Münster is awarding exclusive naming sponsorships by auction. Bids (from 1500 euros) can be submitted by email (tiger@allwetterzoo.de) until August 30th. “As a small thank you, the donors can come to the zoo for the 'christening' and take part in a special sponsorship day,” says Schehka. The money raised will go entirely to the tigers. “Climbing opportunities, lying areas and activities in XXL format” are now needed, it was said.

All zoo-Visitors in Münster now have the opportunity to watch the tiger cubs exploring the world every day…

Important breeding success

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