Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo Celebrates An Event Full of "Awwws And Paws" With Public Debut of White Tiger Cubs Zoo to Celebrate Public Debut of White Tiger Cubs Saturday, July 14, 9:30am-12:00 noon TAMPA, Fla. (July 6, 2007) – Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is preparing to celebrate a baby shower for two of its newest and cutest animal residents. Ashley and Alex, two white tiger cubs will be making their public debut at the “Awwws and Paws” baby shower on Saturday, July 14th from 9:30am-12:00 noon. Enjoy entertainment, treats and more. This event, which will happen rain or shine, is included with daytime zoo admission and is free for Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo Pass-holders. Guests wishing to bring a shower gift are invited to donate items from the provided list, which will be used to enrich the daily lives of more than 2,000 animal residents. Collection of the enrichment items will occur at the zoo’s front gate. Enrichment Items: non-toxic water-based paints; white or brown butcher paper; medium or large cowbells; burlap, blankets (can be used, but must be clean); heavy-duty dog, parrot or horse toys; brown paper lunch bags; "Kong" brand toys (any size and color); "Jolly Ball" brand balls (any sizes that have molded handles); adult t-shirts and artist's canvas. The mother, Nikki, a 10-year-old female white tiger, gave birth to the litter of cubs before dawn on Monday, April 16. Nikki and the father, Yala, arrived at the zoo in mid-January. Zoo staff had been advised that it was possible the female was pregnant due to breeding observed at the tigers’ prior home, but zoo animal care staff restricted observations to non-invasive techniques to minimize stress on the animal during her transition period. White tigers originate from Bengal tigers. They are not albinos and they are not a separate subspecies of tiger. They have blue eyes, a pink nose and white fur covered with chocolate-colored stripes. White tigers are born to tigers that carry the unusual gene needed for white coloring. Wild white tigers are very rare because their white coats provide poor camouflage, making them easily spotted by prey. The life expectancy of tigers is 15 to 17 years, although white tigers typically have shorter lives because of their unique genetics. Public viewing of the tiger cubs and mom will be limited to 9:30am-12:00 noon daily as the cubs continue to mature. They will rotate on exhibit with their white tiger father, Yala, and the zoo’s Sumatran tiger, Eric.