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Critically endangered twin tiger cubs born
Melati with cub
Melati and her cubs, who have yet to open their eyes, are being watched around the clock by staff on ‘cubcam’.

ZSL London Zoo welcomes two new Sumatran tigers

Hidden cameras captured the moment seven-year-old tigress Melati gave birth to cubs on Monday 27 June. After a 108-day pregnancy, the first cub arrived at 9.19am followed by the second at 10.02 in ZSL London Zoo’s ‘Tiger Territory’.

Assistant curator of mammals, Teague Stubbington, said: “We’re overjoyed with our new arrivals, and with how Melati is responding to her two cubs”.

The cubs are a significant addition to a critically endangered population of Sumatran tigers, estimated at approximately 300 worldwide. A huge achievement for ZSL London Zoo’s flagship breeding programme, the two cubs provide optimism for the long term prospects of the species.

As a culmination of ongoing work in Indonesia, country manager Anjar Rafiastanto, said: “ZSL has been in Sumatra for more than 14 years, working with our government counterparts to increase the protection of Sumatran tigers. The birth of these two tiger cubs brings us hope for their long-term survival.”

Melati and her cubs, who have yet to open their eyes, are being watched around the clock by staff on ‘cubcam’, and remain largely hidden in special cubbing dens. Visitors to the zoo can still see father, Jae Jae, and may catch occasional glimpses of Melati when she emerges for food. Footage of the cubs will be revealed on ZSL’s YouTube channel.

Image © ZSL London Zoo
 

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.