Despite the damp weather, Longleat’s four rare Amur tiger cubs have taken their first steps into the safari park’s 10-hectare Tiger Territory.
The event, which took place last week on 5th September, marked the cubs’ first proper venture into the outdoor area, as they followed their mother, Yana, into the wild.
Born in May, these cubs bring Longleat’s tiger family to seven, joining mum Yana, dad Red, and their older sister Yuki. The cubs are part of the endangered Amur tiger species, with only around 450 left in the wild, making this an important milestone for conservation efforts.
Amy Waller, Team Manager at Longleat Safari, said: “It’s such a special moment, seeing all four cubs exploring the safari for the first time. They were cautious at first, following Yana closely, but soon gained the confidence to venture further into their new surroundings. Yana kept a close watch and, after a while, decided it was time to head back indoors.”
Waller emphasised that the cubs’ introduction to the drive-through safari would be a gradual process, entirely dependent on Yana’s instincts and the cubs’ readiness. “We want to ensure they are comfortable and confident before they make regular appearances in the drive-through,” she said. Until then, visitors will have the chance to catch a glimpse of the cubs in their paddock, where they currently spend a few hours each day.
With the Amur tiger listed as endangered, the birth of these cubs is a significant step in Longleat’s contribution to the species’ survival. As these young tigers grow, they’ll play an important role in raising awareness about conservation efforts, both at Longleat and globally.
