TWO CRITICALLY ENDANGERED AMUR TIGER CUBS BORN AT COMO PARK ZOO & CONSERVATORY
St. Paul, MN, [September 4, 2024] – Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is thrilled to announce the birth of two critically endangered Amur tiger cubs on the morning of August 29th. These cubs—a male and a female—are the first tigers born at Como Zoo in more than 41 years, marking a historic and exciting moment for the zoo and its conservation efforts.
The cubs’ mother, Bernadette, is 7 years old and was born on September 14, 2016, at the Milwaukee County Zoo in Wisconsin. She joined Como Zoo from the Oregon Zoo in October 2023. The father, Tsar, is 11 years old, born on July 6, 2013, at the Sedgwick County Zoo in Kansas. Tsar has been a resident of Como Zoo since February 2019. This is the first time both Bernadette and Tsar have become parents.
The pairing of Tsar and Bernadette was made following a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Amur Tiger Species Survival Plan (SSP), a program dedicated to the management and conservation of Amur tigers in accredited institutions across the country. With a gestation period of approximately 104 days, the arrival of these cubs offers new hope for this critically endangered species.
“This is an extraordinary milestone for Como,” said Michelle Furrer, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory’s Director. “The birth of these tiger cubs is not only a testament to the dedication and expertise of our animal care team but also a beacon of hope for the conservation of Amur tigers worldwide. We look forward to sharing their growth and milestones with everyone who visits Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.”
Both mother and cubs are in good health and will remain in their private, calm maternity den for the next few months. This period is crucial for mother-cub bonding and for the cubs to grow strong enough to explore their outdoor habitat safely. Zookeepers and veterinary staff are monitoring the new family closely via cameras, observing Bernadette being a diligent and attentive mother—cleaning, feeding, and keeping the cubs warm.
“These cubs represent a significant success for the Amur Tiger Species Survival Plan and for the future of the species,” said Wes Sims, Director of Animal Care & Health at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. “Our team is incredibly excited about the birth of these two tiger cubs, especially since they are the first offspring for both parents. It’s a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team that these amazing animals have successfully bred in our care.”
While Bernadette and her cubs will remain off-exhibit for some time, Tsar will continue to be visible to visitors in his habitat. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory will provide regular updates on Bernadette and her cubs through its social media channels, offering the public a chance to follow along as the cubs grow.
Amur tigers, also known as Siberian tigers, are the largest tiger subspecies, with males reaching up to 400 pounds. They once roamed across Siberia but are now confined to a small region around the Amur River in the Russian Far East. With fewer than 500 individuals remaining in the wild, they face critical threats from habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
In addition to celebrating the birth of these cubs, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory also seeks to enhance its facilities through a proposed Big Cat Habitat project. This initiative represents a significant opportunity to advance Como’s mission of education and conservation. The project aims to improve the welfare of these majestic creatures while providing visitors with more enriching and immersive experiences. The habitat will include ADA and energy efficiency upgrades, ensuring accessibility for all community members. Como is actively seeking funds through a State Bonding appropriation to bring this project to life and ensure future generations can continue to connect with these ambassadors of their species.
The following story appeared in the Summer 2024 Edition of the Como Friends Insider, the quarterly newsletter for Como Friends supporters. Give today to stay up to date on all things Como, with behind-the-scenes conversations with zookeepers, horticulturists and educators who carry out Como’s conservation mission.
Experts from the Tiger Species Survival Plan think Como Zoo’s male tiger, Tsar, and Bernadette, a female who recently came to Como from the Oregon Zoo, would make a great match. But after a few months of behind-the-scenes meet and greets, the two tigers are still taking things slow.
In fact, that’s the strategy that large cat keepers Hans Jorgensen and Caitlin Allessi have been sticking to since Bernadette made the move to Como Zoo a few months ago. Since tigers can be ferocious with each other—even their mates—keepers have been keeping their encounters as short and positive as possible. Solitary by nature, tigers are the rare breed of animal that depends on induced ovulation, which means that females don’t release their eggs until after successful breeding behavior has taken place.
While Bernadette showed signs of being in estrus earlier this spring, and the pair have successfully copulated on multiple days, keepers continue to keep a close eye on their interactions. “Even a few months after being introduced, there’s still risk involved, so we monitor their behaviors closely both when they’re together and when they’re separated,” says Allessi. While there’s no predicting if the pair will have success, tiger gestation typically takes just 100 days. “Will there be cubs? We can’t say at this point,” says Jorgensen. “But they both appear to be receptive to the possibility.”
(Photos of tiger cubs and Bernadette in their den taken by Senior Keeper Jill Erzar, and Zookeepers Hans and Caitlin.)
