Siberian Tiger Gives Birth To Rare Litter At Six Flags Great Adventure: Photos, Video

JACKSON, NJ — The world's population of Siberian tigers just got a little bigger, after a litter of five cubs was born at Six Flags Great Adventure's Wild Safari.

Nadya, one of the Siberian tigers at the safari park, gave birth to the litter on May 2. It's Nadya's third litter, Six Flags officials said, but it is unusual because of its size: typical tiger litters are two to four cubs, the park said.

The litter also equals 1 percent of the existing wild population of Siberian tigers. Scientists estimate there are fewer than 500 of the big cats, also known as Amur tigers, in the wild, critically endangered due to poaching, hunting and habitat loss.

"As the largest cats in the world, they average 11 feet long with a 3-foot tail. Despite originating from snowy regions such as Russia, China and North Korea where a white coat may help them blend in with their surroundings, they bear a bold orange and black coat with a unique stripe pattern. They are powerful, solitary carnivores," Six Flags officials noted.

The cubs — four girls and one boy — and Nadya have been monitored since she gave birth, and while Nadya has been caring for her babies, at their first checkup at 3 weeks old, one of the cubs was not gaining weight properly, the park said.

Dr. Ken Keiffer said one of the girls was 2.5 pounds, which is the usual birthweight of cubs. Her brother and sisters all were about 6 pounds, so the underweight cub was given around-the-clock bottle feedings until she began to thrive. She will remain at the veterinary clinic for the next few months, officials said.

"Without human intervention, she would not have survived," Keiffer said. In the wild, there is a survival rate of just 50 percent for tiger cubs.

"Nadya’s cubs help ensure the survival of this precious species for at least two more decades," Keiffer said. "At Six Flags, we aim to teach our guests about conservation, and we hope it inspires them to help preserve these and other amazing animals here on Earth."

Nadya's litter also doubled the Siberian tiger population at the Wild Safari, officials said.

Six Flags officials said people coming to the safari park can see Nadya and four of her cubs in the Tigris Asiana section of the drive-through adventure in the coming weeks.

Other ways to see Nadya and her cubs include:

Safari Overnight Camp Out July 15-16: Pitch a tent and bring a sleeping bag to take part in exclusive animal activities, including giraffe feeding and other special animal appearances. Advance tickets are required and space is limited; tickets can be purchased online.

Giraffe Encounter Safari VIP Tour: The Giraffe Encounter Tour is an off-road adventure on military-style, open-air trucks with a tour guide through seven sections of the Wild Safari and the opportunity to hand-feed giraffes at Camp Aventura. Tour guests can also meet small exotic animals up-close. Program runs select days through June 29 and daily June 30 through Sept. 4. Tour tickets may be purchased in advance or at the theme park.

Private Giraffe Encounter Tour: A personalized tour in a private safari off-road vehicle for up to 30 people. A tour guide narrates the trip and there is giraffe feeding at Camp Aventura. Fee required. Contact [email protected] for information.