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Hidden cameras capture birth of rare tiger twins at Chester Zoo

CCTV cameras show precious early moments between Sumatran tiger Kasarna and her two newborn cubs

Birth of rare twins is hailed as a ‘significant step forward’ for the conservation of the critically endangered species

Only 350 remain in the wild – making them one of the world’s rarest tigers

Habitat loss, poaching and conflict with humans could see the carnivores become extinct

Zoo conservationists are working to protect tigers in Sumatra, India and Nepal

Hidden cameras have captured a first glimpse of two rare Sumatran tiger cubs born at Chester Zoo.

The tiny twins were born to first time parents Kasarna and Dash on 7 January and the new family has since been bonding in their den – with all of their adorable early life antics caught by the zoo’s CCTV cameras.

Zookeepers say the new arrivals are yet to be sexed and will be named once they start to gain in confidence and venture outside, which experts estimate will be in early April.

Just 350 Sumatran tigers are thought to remain in the wild – making them one of the world’s rarest tiger subspecies. They are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) - the most severe conservation category and highest priority.

According to carnivore experts, the birth is a significant step forward for the conservation breeding programme working to save the species from extinction.

Dave Hall, Carnivore Team Manager at Chester Zoo, said:

“We’ve been closely monitoring Kasarna on our CCTV cameras as she get to grips with motherhood and her first litter of cubs – it’s a real privilege and incredibly special to watch. She’s a great mum and is being very attentive to her new infants, keeping them snuggled up in the den and feeding them every few hours. It won’t be too long until they gain enough confidence to start venturing outside for the very first time as a family, which is really exciting.

“The birth of two more healthy Sumatran tiger cubs is another significant step forward in the long-term efforts to protect these incredible animals. One day, the pair will hopefully go on to themselves make a vital contribution to the endangered species breeding programme, which is now playing a critical role in preventing these majestic animals from becoming extinct.”

The expansion of unsustainable palm oil and coffee plantations has seen more than 90% of the Sumatran tigers habitat wiped out, bringing tigers into close conflict with the human population.

As a result, the carnivores are more exposed and often killed when they come into contact with villagers, farmers or livestock. The species is also heavily poached for its skin, bones and canine teeth, which are sold illegally on the traditional Asian medicine markets.

Mike Jordan, Director of Animals and Plants at the zoo, added:

“Today there are fewer than 350 Sumatran tigers living in the wild, so Kasarna’s two cubs are absolutely crucial to the survival of the species. They are the latest additions to an insurance population in conservation zoos that will be the driving force in preventing the Sumatran tiger from enduring the same fate as the Javan, Caspian and Balinese tigers, which have all sadly been wiped out forever.

“The arrival of the cubs is a real testament to the expertise and scientific work of our teams who, only last year, paired up female tigress, Kasarna, with a male Sumatran tiger, named Dash. They were coupled together based on their genetic make-up, age and character and this news is cause for real celebration among the global conservation community.”

In India and Nepal, the zoo’s conservationists are fighting to control illegal poaching and mitigate conflict between humans and tigers to improve the outlook for another subspecies, the Bengal tiger.

Sumatran tiger facts:

Sumatran tigers have webbed paws, which make them excellent swimmers

They have white spots on their ears which act as false eyes and make them appear alert from behind

The Sumatran tiger’s stripes are closer together than other tigers

Tigers usually hunt at night, around once a week

Tigers are the largest of the big cats, and the largest carnivorous land mammal on Earth.

The Sumatran tiger is the smallest of all species of tiger

Six subspecies of tiger remain with three having already gone extinct

Chester Zoo is opening an incredible new wedding and events venue this spring - and here’s how you could work there

Conservation zoo launches recruitment drive for new luxury wedding, meeting and events space, The Square

New 200-capacity wedding destination at the heart of the zoo is set to open in May

More than 20 roles are now available including chefs and events staff

All income generated by The Square will help the not-for-profit zoo to secure a brighter future for wildlife

Chester Zoo has announced a host of exciting new jobs are up for grabs within its stunning new wedding and events venue, The Square, which is set to open this spring.

The luxury 200-capacity destination, due to open in May, is an extension of an existing Grade II listed stable block that has stood at the heart of the 128-acre conservation zoo since it opened in 1931. The original structures were once home to some of the zoo’s first animals such as lions, bears and chimpanzees.

For the first time, following a three-year restoration project, the historical building will soon be hosting special occasions - with couples able to tie the knot surrounded by 27,000 animals. The venue will also host corporate events and offer unique meeting spaces, while the zoo hopes it will go on to stage important global summits and political conferences centred on wildlife conservation, as part of the zoo’s efforts to protect highly threatened species and the natural world.

Featuring an impressive gated entrance and a host of preserved original features which tell the story of the original building, the unique space will have its own large private courtyard, exposed brick walls, vaulted rafters and large windows overlooking the zoo’s botanical gardens.

Now, ahead of its grand unveiling, 22 new job roles are being advertised at the exciting new venue – including chefs, bar staff, front of house team members and a number of event staff positions.

Jen McDermott, Head of People and Culture at the zoo, said:

“The Square is a special, one-of-a-kind space that’s rich in history and character. It’s stood at the heart of the zoo for approaching a century, and, now it’s been renovated and brought to life, we’re so excited to be able to start welcoming guests to weddings and other large scale events to our incredible new venue in just a few months’ time. 

“If you’re interested in a career at the zoo then we now have a host of roles available working at The Square, from chefs to front of house staff. And, as with all roles at our zoo, it’s a wonderful feeling knowing that you’ll be contributing to a better future for wildlife – as a not for profit, all income generated by The Square, and indeed the zoo, goes towards our charitable mission to prevent extinction.

“There really is nothing else quite like The Square anywhere in the UK. What other places of work are there where you can explore 128 acres of beautiful gardens surrounded by 27,000 amazing animals every day?”

Find the full details for the various positions on offer and info on how to apply on the zoo’s website: www.chesterzoo.org/work-with-us/ 

With the grand opening of The Square planned for May, the zoo is now taking bookings for wedding and other events. To find out more or to make an enquiry, visit: www.chesterzoo.org/thesquare

About The Square

The Square is a special, one-of-a-kind space that preserves the zoo’s rich history and character, while also adding a modern twist to its interior that showcases the zoo’s hopes for a more sustainable future

Income generated by every event taking place at The Square will contribute to the zoo’s charitable mission to prevent extinction, helping zoo conservationists to secure a brighter future for wildlife right across the world

The main event room is planned to have a capacity of 200 while reception and breakout rooms brings the total capacity of the building to 380

To find out more or to enquire about your wedding or event, visit: www.chesterzoo.org/thesquare

Chester Zoo

 Chester Zoo (www.chesterzoo.org) is a world-leading conservation and education charity that’s committed to preventing extinction and dedicated to raising awareness of key conservation and environmental challenges

The zoo’s 128-acre site in Chester, which is home to more than 27,000 animals and more than 500 species, is where this species-saving work is made possible

As a not-for-profit, the zoo ploughs everything into its conservation mission, both here in the UK and around the world

It works with more than 3,000 species globally, including 140 international animal conservation breeding programmes, which are ensuring the survival of species on the very brink of extinction. It’s also home to five national plant collections, comprising of more than 1,000 species

Experts from the zoo are recognised by governments and NGOs across the world as leaders within the global conservation community. Currently, the zoo is saving species on behalf of the Bermudan, Spanish and Portuguese governments, among others

The zoo works with over 100 partners in more than 20 countries to recover threatened wildlife and restore habitats, including orangutans in Bornean rainforests, elephants and tigers in Indian grasslands, lemurs and frogs in Malagasy forests, rare fish in Mexican lakes and a host of species here in the UK

The zoo influences policy both in the UK and internationally, forcing governments worldwide to take action to halt the biodiversity crisis

It’s millions of annual visitors and huge online communities are part of the educational, scientific and conservation jigsaw, empowering them to be part of solutions for wildlife, creating a future where nature can survive and thrive

Chester Zoo lives and breathes conservation – from its animal and plant care, to its scientific breakthroughs, to its policy work and its vital role in inspiring and educating people about the natural world and the impact humans have on it – creating and nurturing the conservationist in us all.