Endangered Siberian tiger cubs undergo first vet exam: See the fuzzy babies
The cubs, who were born to Siberian tiger Stormi on May 20, 2025, underwent their first veterinary examination on July 14, including vaccinations against cat flu and feline distemper, Zoo Magdeburg shared on social media this week. The cubs were also weighed, microchipped and had their sexes determined.
And of course, the public got a closer look at the crew of cubs in adorable first photos. Here's what to know about the Siberian tigers, which are considered endangered, and the zoo's new arrivals.
Cubs' mother will decide when they can enter the outdoor enclosure
The zoo reported the tigers' stats as:
Zoo staff said the cubs will stay in the rear area of their enclosure for about two days to recover from the vaccinations and their first human contact. After that, tigress Stormi will determine when she will let her cubs into the outdoor enclosure for the first time.
When can zoo visitors catch a glimpse of the cubs?
The zoo said the cubs will likely only be seen rarely for the first few days. The zoo will let visitors know via social media when they are regularly exploring the outdoor enclosure.
The cubs are four of five babies Stormi gave birth to in May, the zoo announced on June 4. One of the cubs did not survive when Stormi accidentally laid down on the baby. After the passing of the cub, Stormi continued taking care of the rest calmly and carefully, the zoo said.
What to know about Siberian tigers: How many are left?
Siberian tigers are also known as Amur tigers, and they are considered endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). They are the largest feline predators, Zoo Magdeburg said on its website.
They are much different from other tiger subspecies like Bengal and Sumatran tiger due to their size, light, long-haired fur, and widely-spaced dark stripes.
They can reach over 3.3 feet at the shoulder, and when standing upright, up to 9.8 feet when standing upright, the zoo said. They can weigh over 660 pounds.
They often eat deer and wild boars and live about 18 years, but according to the zoo, there are about 300 Siberian tigers left in the wild due to humans destroying their habitats and decades of hunting.
Siberian tiger bones and other body parts are used in traditional medicine in Southeast Asia, although there is a general trade ban on tiger products that has been in place since 1987 and no medicinal effects have ever been proven, the zoo said.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.
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