Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in July 2015

In August 2013, the world witnessed a heartwarming story of survival as two rare Sumatran tiger cubs made their debut at the Australia Zoo in Queensland. Born to proud mother Kaitlyn, these cubs, initially named Spot and Stripe, defied the odds, considering that one-third of Sumatran tiger cubs don’t survive in captivity. Their journey to adulthood is nothing short of remarkable.

This incredible tale became the centerpiece of the 2014 BBC series “Tigers About the House,” where British tiger expert Giles Clark played a pivotal role. At the time, Clark was the Head of Australia Zoo’s tiger department, and he took on the role of surrogate parent for Spot and Stripe, providing them with round-the-clock care. The documentary series allowed viewers to witness their unique bond and the challenges of raising these magnificent creatures.

The Sumatran tiger, also known as the Sunda tiger, faces a dire situation in the wild. Relentless habitat loss and rampant poaching on Indonesia’s Sunda Islands have pushed this majestic species to the brink of extinction. With fewer than 350 of these tigers remaining in the wild, their survival is at a critical juncture.

The video clip, which BBC Earth Kids shared, captures the momentous birth of these tiger cubs and the jubilation of Giles Clark and the Australia Zoo team. Their arrival was celebrated not only as a personal victory but also as a testament to the ongoing conservation efforts dedicated to preserving these magnificent creatures.

Fast forward to the present, and Spot and Stripe have grown into impressive adult tigers. They have also been given new names, Hunter and Clarence, respectively. Hunter faced the adversity of losing his eyesight due to a congenital eye condition. However, under the vigilant care provided by the Australia Zoo, he continues to thrive.

Notably, Clarence has taken on the role of a father himself, siring cubs at Taronga Zoo Sydney. This heartwarming development underscores the importance of breeding programs in ensuring the survival of critically endangered species like the Sumatran tiger.

It’s crucial to understand the dire situation these majestic creatures face. The Sumatran tiger’s population has dwindled to alarming levels, primarily due to the relentless clearing of land for unsustainable palm-oil plantations and the illegal wildlife trade. Conservationists and organizations around the world are working tirelessly to protect these tigers and their dwindling natural habitats.

The heartwarming journey of Hunter and Clarence serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with dedicated care, compassion, and conservation efforts, even the most endangered species can defy the odds and thrive. As we celebrate their remarkable story, we’re reminded of the urgent need to redouble our efforts to protect and preserve these magnificent animals for generations to come.

Sources: TKSST