- Title: ARGENTINA: Rare white Bengal tiger cubs make debut at Buenos Aires zoo
- Date: 21st March 2013
- Summary: BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA (MARCH 21, 2013) (REUTERS) CUB CHEWING ON A STICK ZOOKEEPER WATCHING CUB PLAY WITH STICK CLOSE-UP OF CUB WITH STICK (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) DIRECTOR OF ANIMAL CARE AT BUENOS AIRES ZOO, MIGUEL RIVOLTA, SAYING: "The male and female only get together when they are going to mate. During the lactation period the mother protects her cubs from the world and that's what's happening here in the zoo. Even though she has a good relationship with the zookeepers - although there isn't direct contact - she pays close attention to what's going on with her cubs and that's why we are very attentive during this presentation to the public because she could become nervous and try to protect them, but well, that's what all mothers have to do with their children." CLEO ANGRILY PACING CAGE DURING PRESENTATION OF CUBS VARIOUS OF CLEO WITH CUBS
- Embargoed: 5th April 2013 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Argentina
- Country: Argentina
- Topics: Environment,Science
- Reuters ID: LVA9NGXMNCJYGH9RU8O3ZVUSN9E6
- Story Text: It was a special day in the Buenos Aires Zoo on Thursday (March 21) as four white Bengal tiger cubs made their public debut.
The cubs - two males and two females - are just over two months old. The rare white cubs with striking blue eyes looked curiously at the crowd as reporters snapped up pictures.
Miguel Rivolta, director of animal care, was enthusiastic about the zoo's new additions.
"In the Buenos Aires Zoo four Bengal white tiger cubs were born. Two males and two females. They are two months olds and were born after a gestation period of approximately 100 days. There were born on January 14 and today they are being presented to the public. They don't have names yet, because they will be named by children who come to visit the zoo," said Rivolta.
White Bengal tigers are the result of a rare recessive gene, and they are extremely rare in the wild.
"They are white Bengal tigers, they are not albinos. It's an animal that in the past lived in nature but today it's rare to find them in the wild. It's more likely to find them in zoos or nature reserves," said Rivolta.
Cleo and Rhiano, both at the Buenos Aires Zoo, are the proud parents of the four little felines.
Cameras were installed in Cleo's cage to be able to view the births of the cubs without disturbing her.
Rivolta explained how male and female tigers only come together for mating purposes. He added that Cleo's desire to protect her offspring could make her nervous as spectators tried to get a glimpse of the four cubs.
"The male and female only get together when they are going to mate. During the lactation period the mother protects her cubs from the world and that's what's happening here in the zoo. Even though she has a good relationship with the zookeepers - although there isn't direct contact - she pays close attention to what's going on with her cubs and that's why we are very attentive during this presentation to the public because she could become nervous and try to protect them, but well, that's what all mothers have to do with their children," said Rivolta.
The extremely rare white tiger, which has been threatened by both hunting and habitat destruction, is considered to be close to extinction in the wild. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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