Four rare Amur tiger cubs born at Longleat in Wiltshire

The cubs, which are living at Longleat in Wiltshire, have attracted worldwide attention since their birth last month as they are some of the rarest tiger cubs in the world.

Currently, the Amur tiger is one of the most endangered animals in the world with only 450 left in the wild across the globe.

In the 1930s the tigers had nearly died out due to hunting, and at one stage it is thought the population fell as low as just 20–30 animals.

These four tiny cubs have no idea how rare they are, as the world watches on with amazement. (Image: Longleat Safari Park)

Carnivore keeper, Kayleigh Smith, from Longleat Safari Park, said that these Wiltshire cubs are looking happy and healthy, as they start to develop their personalities.

"We've already identified one which is an explorer who took their first steps early, and was the first to climb over mum," said Kayleigh.

These four little tiger cubs, which have yet to be named, are the second litter of nine-year-old Mum Yana who also gave birth to Rusty and Yuki in 2019.

The cubs' dad Red is also nine-years-old.

According to keeper Caleb Hall, Yana is now able to leave her cubs for short periods of time as they continue to grow.

“They are developing so quickly; their eyes are fully open and they are now looking in the direction of sound,” said Caleb.

Mum Yana has been working hard looking after her four young cubs. (Image: Longleat Safari Park)

“Over the next couple of weeks, they will start to try solid food rather than just having Yana’s milk and will have their first vaccinations at eight weeks.

“At 12 weeks they will have their second vaccinations and will be able to wander outside, but it will be late summer before they can go into the main paddock,” he added.

Native to the far east of Russia, the Amur tiger is the largest of the big cats and can weigh up to 300kg and measure more than three metres in length.

Although these Wiltshire cubs are currently too young to be gendered or given a name, Longleat Safari Park hopes that visitors will be able to come and see them in the park later this summer once the cubs have had their inoculations.