'Very curious about her new surroundings:' Tiger cub triplet makes Indy Zoo debut

Claire Rafford, Indianapolis Star
·2 min read

Indianapolis Zoo visitors will be greeted by some paws-itively adorable new animals: The Amur tiger triplets, born at the zoo in May, began making their public debuts Friday.

The tiger cubs, two boys and a girl are named Roman, Nicolas and Helina.

Helina, the female tiger cub, was the first to make an appearance.

"She was very curious about her new surroundings and made sure to climb, sniff and explore her new habitat, which thrilled guests who were on hand to see her debut," Cody Mattox, a spokesperson for the zoo, said in a statement.

The other two male triplets did not come out with Helina, as one felt more comfortable staying indoors and one was receiving treatment for a health issue, but "hopes to join the other cubs in the new habitat within the following week," Mattox said in an email to IndyStar.

The zoo cautioned visitors that the cubs will be adjusting to being in their new habitat, so not every visitor will immediately get to see them.

"Big cats are just like house cats — they like to do things their way and on their schedule." the zoo said in a tweet. "So, if you don’t see them, they may be inside taking a little cat nap. If you’re a cat parent, then you know patience is the key."

The cubs were born to mother Amur tiger Zoya and father Pavel, and were Zoya's first children.

What is an Amur tiger?

Zoya, a 7-year-old Amur tiger, gave birth to triplet tiger cubs at the Indianapolis Zoo on May 27.
Zoya, a 7-year-old Amur tiger, gave birth to triplet tiger cubs at the Indianapolis Zoo on May 27.

Amur tigers are also known as Siberian tigers. Their native territory is eastern Russia, according to the Indianapolis Zoo.

There are less than 100 Amur tigers in zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, according to a previous news release from the zoo, and Amur tigers have lost almost 95% of their territories in the wild.

So, Helina, Roman and Nicolas' addition to the Indianapolis Zoo is a crucial step in maintaining a healthy and sustainable Amur tiger population.

How can I see the tiger cubs?

You can buy tickets to the Indianapolis Zoo here: bit.ly/3RZJi2e

The cubs may also appear on the Tiger Cam on Indianapolis Zoo's website: bit.ly/3BpoaeS

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis zoo tiger cubs: Female triplet makes public debut Friday