Two Tiger Cubs Born At Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo Mother’s Day Comes a Month Early for “Nikki” TAMPA, Fla. (April 20, 2007) – One of Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo’s newest residents, a 10-year-old female white tiger named “Nikki,” gave birth to a litter of cubs before dawn on Monday, April 16. Upon arriving at the zoo early Monday morning, tiger keepers heard vocalizations and immediately noticed two tiny infants near the female. A third cub was stillborn. Two adult white tigers, a male and female pair, 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 tiger’s prior home, but zoo animal care staff restricted observations to non-invasive techniques to minimize stress on the animal during her transition period. “Our pregnancy questions were confirmed on Monday when Nikki delivered three cubs, two of which appear to be vigorous and active,” said Dr. David Murphy, zoo veterinarian. “Presently, the mother is being very attentive and is facilitating nursing well with the infants, who will be completely dependent upon her for the first three months of life.” Zoo animal care staff had the opportunity for a quick check of the cubs late Monday when the mother voluntarily separated from the cubs for a few minutes. Zoo staff will not routinely intervene or interfere with the mother and her litter during the critical early period. During the check, the cubs were observed to be a male and female, weighing about 1 kg each. Preliminary assessments are that the cubs are nursing frequently, bonding with mom and moving about the den. Although the two adult white tigers are an established couple, the male will be separated from the female for the time being for the safety of the cubs. The gestation period for tigers is three to four months, or approximately 110 days. The average litter is two or three cubs which weigh about two pounds at birth. Cubs are born with their eyes shut and helpless, relying entirely on their mother for the first three months and nurse for many more. The survival of the cubs will be dependent upon the mother’s ability to care and nurture them, the cubs’ ability to fight any infections association with normal birth, and the success of weaning and independence. 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. The newborn cubs will NOT be on public exhibit for several months. The father, an adult male white tiger, Yala, can be seen on exhibit alternating with the zoo’s Sumatran tiger, Eric.