Growing up healthy and strong: The growth of Mimpi and her three cubs (born December 4, 2023)

Growing up healthy and strong -- the growth of Minpi and her three puppies (born December 4, 2023)
└─ 2023/12/28

It's hard to believe, but about three weeks have passed since Mimpi, Sumatran Tiger at Ueno Zoo, gave birth to three cubs.

Minpi has started spending more time resting outside the birthing room, but as soon as her baby cries, she immediately returns to the birthing room to nurse and groom, showing such dedication to raising her offspring that it's reassuring to anyone watching.

When she gave birth to "Asa" (female) in April 2023, her interest in Asa waned from the afternoon of the day after birth, but this was not the case this time (according to past research [*], the survival rate of tiger cubs is higher when there are 3 to 4 cubs. Although we cannot say for certain, in Asa's case, one cub was stillborn, so it ended up being the same as giving birth to one cub, which may have led to her not showing interest in raising the cub).

On December 21st, the baby came out of the birthing room for the first time. After watching the baby crawl around the bedroom for a few minutes, Mimpi gently picked it up by the neck and brought it back to the birthing room. Seeing this, we were relieved to know that we could leave it in Mimpi's care.

Sumatran Tiger "Mimpi" and her cubs
On December 23rd, we performed sex determination and the first weight measurement. There were two males (2,530g each).~~2,795g~~2,855g), one female (~~2,855g~~The weight is 2,795g, which is roughly similar to past records for Sumatran Tiger. We will continue to measure its size regularly, hoping that it will grow up healthy. (*February 21, 2024: The weight measurement was recorded incorrectly, so the value has been corrected.)

The weight measurement was incorrect due to a recording error, so we will correct it.

Weight measurement
^ *Reference: Sarah P. Saunders, Tara Harris, Kathy Traylor-Holzer, Karen Goodrowe Beck. Factors influencing breeding success, ovarian cyclicity, and cub survival in zoo-managed tigers (Panthera tigris), Animal Reproduction Science, 2014, 144, p.38-47. doi:10.1016/j.anireprosci.2013.11.006

[Ueno Zoo East Garden Animal Care and Exhibition Staff]

"Opening the future for felines! Conservation through breeding research and pregnancy testing with zoos."
~Announcement of crowdfunding project by the Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University~
At Ueno Zoo, in collaboration with Gifu University, fecal neutral hormone analysis is being conducted to improve the breeding of Sumatran Tiger. This analysis will elucidate their reproductive physiology, strengthening the zoo's functions for species conservation and ex-situ conservation, and helping to protect animals at high risk of extinction.

To further develop this research, Gifu University is currently running a crowdfunding campaign. If you are interested, please check the link below.

◎URL: https://readyfor.jp/projects/zooreplab-neko (External site)

◎Related News
・ Sumatran Tiger cub has been born—the first at Ueno Zoo in 26 years!! (May 18, 2023)
・ Current situation of Sumatran Tiger mother and cub: Switching to artificial rearing (June 5, 2023)
・ The growth of Sumatran Tiger cub "Asa" and preparations for public release. (September 3, 2023)
・ Sumatran Tiger "Mimpi" may be pregnant. (December 3, 2023)
・ Mimpi, Sumatran Tiger, has given birth! (December 6, 2023)

(December 28, 2023)
(February 21, 2024: Weight figures corrected)