Watched over by proud dad Tengah, heartwarming video footage shows the three male cubs and one female nestling up to mum Nuri as she tenderly licks them and keeps them warm.
Although the litter was born in July, it is only now that zoo staff have revealed them after fearing that one or more of the cubs may not have survived the most critical weeks of infancy.
The zoo’s acting president Sergiusz Kmiecik said: “In the case of such large litters, often not all kittens reach adulthood.
“It is all the more joyful that all four tigers are developing healthily, are active, eager to eat and play with each other and with their parents.”
Paweł Sroka, head of the zoo’s department for predatory animals, added: “Interestingly, Tengah, the father of the tiger cubs, was with them from the beginning, which is rare for tigers.
“He was calm, gentle, and even helped Nuri with care, learning how to ‘handle’ the cubs.
“The cubs currently weigh over 8 kg, are developing well and show no health problems.”
The birth is now being hailed as a boost to the population of one of the world’s most endangered big cats, with fewer than 600 Sumatran tigers left in the wild due to habitat loss and poaching.
The cubs’ future placements will be decided by the European Endangered Species Program, which coordinates the breeding of endangered animals across European zoos depending on the broader needs of the breeding program.
Weronika Łysek, Wrocław Zoo spokeswoman, told TVP World: “They’ve grown enough to be safe, and they’ve now received all of their vaccinations.”
Although the zoo hasn’t revealed the names just yet, it has hinted at plans to involve visitors in the naming process.
