It’s been a whole year since four bundles of striped joy pounced into the world at Longleat Safari Park – and what a difference twelve months makes.
Born on 9th May last year to proud parents Yana and Red, the rare Amur tiger cubs – named Heidi, Seeka, Dora-Boo and Ginger Biscuit – celebrated their first birthday this week with a feast fit for royalty. Keepers treated the growing feline family to a frozen meat extract and ostrich egg cake, topped off with sardines-as-candles. It didn’t last long. In true tiger fashion, it was devoured within minutes.
Now around two-thirds the size of their mother, these youngsters are not only making waves at Longleat, but also playing a crucial role in the preservation of their species. With only around 450 Amur tigers left in the wild, this litter is part of an internationally significant breeding programme.
“Their arrival was hugely important,” said Lead Keeper Caleb Hall. “At the time, their birth made up over a quarter of all Amur tiger births in Europe across the previous two years. To have four healthy, thriving cubs is phenomenal.”
Each cub has developed their own personality and physical traits. Heidi, weighing in at roughly 70–75kg, is the largest of the group and isn’t afraid to challenge mum at mealtimes. Dora-Boo, the smallest at around 60–65kg, is sweet-natured and observant, preferring mum’s company to rough play. Ginger Biscuit, true to her name, is endlessly playful and fond of a splash in the pond, while Seeka mirrors Yana’s reserved independence, always quick to spot anything new.
Lead Keeper Eloise Kilbane praised Yana’s parenting style: “She adapts how she interacts with each cub, helping them hone the skills they’d need in the wild. From teaching stealth during play hunts to allowing the confident ones to win food if they communicate properly – she’s remarkable.”
Visitors to Longleat can witness the largest Amur tiger family currently visible on safari in the UK, with the girls expected to remain with their mother for another 12 to 18 months before moving on.
In the wild, Amur tigers are found primarily in the Russian Far East, with some venturing into northern China. One of the largest tiger subspecies, adult males can weigh up to 190kg, with females slightly smaller at 110–130kg.
For now, the cubs continue to enjoy their pond playtimes, sunny naps, and sibling mischief – all under the watchful eyes of their dedicated keepers and ever-patient mum.
Photos courtesy of Tom Anders and Ian Turner of Longleat
