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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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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.