The world of animal rescue has good news for the new year: the first rehabilitated tiger has given birth in the wild.
Reflecting back on 2015, I feel proud of all that we have accomplished for animals this year. We’ve rescued puppies from a crumbling shelter in Bosnia, fed orphaned elephants in Zambia, responded to the disastrous earthquake in Nepal, helped injured owls, falcons and hawks in China, rehabilitated baby bears in Russia and saved dolphins and seals on Cape Cod. And right when we were about to wind down for the year—something amazing happened.
We found out that the Amur (Siberian) tigress that we released in 2013 had given birth to two cubs. And what’s even better; we have camera trap photos and video to prove it. Watch Zolushka and her cubs playing here.
Zolushka is not simply any tiger. She is one of the most well-known wild tigers in the world although her story began with heartbreak. She and her brother were found orphaned after their mother was likely killed by poachers. Frostbitten and malnourished, the small cubs were only a few months old. Her brother was too weak and unfortunately didn’t survive. Against all odds, Zolushka, which means Cinderella in Russian, pulled through losing just a bit of her tail to amputation. With partners in Russia, the International Fund for Animal Welfare was able to rescue, rehabilitate and release her back to the wild. That makes Zolushka the first rehabbed Amur tiger to give birth in the wild.
All tigers are important, but Zolushka comes from a species of only 562 individuals. Each tiger is essential for the survival of this endangered species and her two new cubs double the population in the Bastak Nature Reserve where they are now roaming along with the lone adult male Zavetnyi. Although this area is historical tiger habitat; Amurs haven’t been seen here in years making this family’s survival even more important.
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Winter is settling into Far East Russia and Zolushka now has two more mouths to feed. As a first time mother, she will hopefully be able to keep her growing youngsters safe and healthy. Along with the global conservation community, I’m rooting for Zolushka.
About the Author:
Kerry Branon is an animal lover and environmentalist. She has helped support the mission of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to rescue and protect animals around the world for the past 12 years. She lives on Cape Cod with her spouse Lisa, their 3-year-old daughter Isabella, cat Oliver and dog Edie.