Adorable, endangered tiger cubs born at California zoo. Watch them snuggle with mom

Two critically endangered Sumatran tiger cubs were born earlier this month at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in California, officials said.

A video released by the zoo shows the cubs snuggling and feeding in their den with first-time mom Diana. They’ll remain in their den for 8 to 10 weeks, zoo officials said in a July 27 news release.

“We are elated about the birth of these tiger cubs,” Lisa Peterson, executive director, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, said in a statement. “It has been years since we’ve had cubs at Tiger Trail, and we can’t wait to share them with the community.”

Sumatran tigers are a critically endangered species, with only “400 to 600 remaining on Earth,” the zoo said.

They face dangers including “loss of habitat, challenges to human-wildlife coexistence and poaching,” zoo officials said.

“These births are so important to the conservation of this species,” Peterson said in the statement. “Our hope is these cubs will provide an opportunity for our guests to gain a greater appreciation for tigers and the important need to conserve them in their native habitats.”

Diana is an “extremely attentive and gentle mother,” wildlife experts say. Her cubs, a male and female born on July 12, appear to be strong and are frequently nursing.

More than 1 billion people visit the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park each year.

This story was originally published July 27, 2023 at 1:29 PM with the headline "Adorable, endangered tiger cubs born at California zoo. Watch them snuggle with mom."