London Zoo's first Sumatran tiger cub in 17 years drowns in pool
First tiger cub to be born in the zoo for 17 years just two weeks ago has drowned
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.London Zoo have said they are "distraught" after the first tiger cub to be born at London Zoo for 17 years was found dead on Saturday morning.
Keepers at the zoo raised the alarm after they noticed that they could not see the cub on the den cameras.
The cub was discovered on the edge of the pool inside the tigers' enclosure, a ZSL London Zoo spokeswoman said.
It had not been named or sexed as it was so young.
“The keepers are naturally very distraught. They work very closely with the tigers, so it is incredibly sad news for them,” she said.
The world watched as five-year-old Sumatran tiger Melati gave birth to the cub two weeks ago in a den fitted with hidden cameras, after being pregnant for 105 days. She was in labour for just six minutes.
The zoo spokeswoman said a post-mortem examination conducted on Sunday confirmed the cub had drowned.
Keepers believe Melati carried the cub outside but are unsure as to how the cub got into the pool as there are no cameras in the wider enclosure.
They are now reviewing the situation as it was not envisaged that the mother would take the cub outside so early.
The cub is the grandchild of the zoo's last tiger cub, Hari, the father of Melati.
The cub's father is five-year-old Jae Jae, which had been playing no part in taking care of the new arrival.
Curator Malcolm Fitzpatrick said: “We're heartbroken by what's happened. To go from the excitement of the birth to this in three weeks is just devastating.
“Melati can be a very nervous animal and we didn't want to risk putting her on edge by changing her surroundings or routines, in case she abandoned or attacked the cub.
“At the time we thought it was in the best interests of Melati and her cub to allow her continued access to the full enclosure as normal.
“We would do anything to turn back the clock, and nobody could be more upset about what's happened than the keepers who work with the tigers every day.
“They are devoted to those tigers and are distraught.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments