Zoo celebrates rare birth of Sumatran tiger cub for first time in 20 years

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE/Gray News) - For the first time in 20 years, a Sumatran tiger cub was born at the Louisville Zoo.

The cub was officially born at 7:40 p.m. on July 23, 2024, and is the offspring of Kami Sambal, 16, and Jingga, 14.

The zoo says both mother and cub are thriving, and Jingga is demonstrating all the appropriate behaviors of an experienced mother.

The zoo is keeping the cub behind the scenes for now to allow for bonding time with mom. Guests are invited to follow updates and watch the tiger cub’s first weeks through the Tiger Cub Cam.

Plans for public viewing will be announced soon.

The last Sumatran tiger cubs born at the Zoo were Leela, Jai, and Mohan in April 2004. Then two Siberian cubs, Irisa and Anya, were born later that year in October.

“It’s been a long time since the Zoo has welcomed a tiger cub to our extended family and we are all excited by the arrival of this rare and endangered youngster,” said Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney. “I commend the Islands and Animal Health teams for their efforts and invite our community to come celebrate with us as we watch this precious cub grow and progress.”

A naming contest will be announced in the coming weeks.

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