SEATTLE - Woodland Park Zoo’s endangered Sumatran tiger cubs will make their public debut Saturday, December 18. The two 3-month-old males will be on view daily between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in the Adaptations Building.

“Due to chilly temperatures and the age of the cubs, the mother and cubs will temporarily be on view indoors,” explained zoo General Curator Nancy Hawkes. “The temporary indoor exhibit provides more flexibility for public viewing during colder temperatures. It also offers a safe environment for the cubs to grow and play; to hone instinctive skills such as mock stalking; and to foster necessary motor skills for proper growth and development before their move to the larger outdoor grotto.”

The exhibit has been modified for the tigers and baby-proofed with creature comforts including: climate control; hay for bedding and extra padding for protection; climbing structures such as a rock outcropping; logs for sharpening claws, digging and chewing; and private areas for them to retreat from the public.

The significant birth represents the second litter between 12-year-old mother JoJo and 11-year-old father Rakata (RAH-ka-ta). “We are thrilled to have two more young Sumatran tigers here at Woodland Park Zoo,” said Woodland Park Zoo President and CEO Dr. Deborah Jensen. “These animals are critically endangered in the wild and, unfortunately, our tigers are a significant addition to the world’s population of tigers.” The male cubs have been named Langka (LONG-ka), Indonesian for “rare,” and Manis (Maw-NEES), Indonesian for “sweet.” The Indonesian names reflect the endangered Sumatran tiger’s native habitat.

All five tiger subspecies are endangered with only 6,000-8,000 tigers remaining in the wild. The Sumatran is one of the most rare with only about 400 believed to exist in the wild. The primary reasons for the decimation of wild tiger populations are illegal poaching, human overpopulation, and other activities that result in the destruction and fragmentation of habitat. Tiger bones and other body parts are used in traditional Asian medicines.

Accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, top award-winning Woodland Park Zoo is famed for pioneering naturalistic exhibits and setting a standard for zoos all over the world. With conservation, education and excellent animal care at the core of the zoo’s mission, the zoo is helping to save endangered species in Washington state and around the world including tree kangaroos, snow leopards, red-crowned cranes, African wild dogs, western pond turtles and Oregon silverspot butterflies. By inspiring visitors and others to care and act, Woodland Park Zoo is making a difference in our planet’s future.