Park Celebrates Extremely Rare Birth of Five Adorable Cubs
JACKSON, N.J. ? June 23, 2022 ? On May 2 at Six Flags Wild Safari, Siberian tiger Nadya gave birth to an extremely rare litter of five cuddly cubs. While most tiger births range from two to four cubs, this uncommon birth is also significant because as an endangered species, Nadya’s litter is equivalent to 1 percent of the world’s wild Siberian tiger population.
During the cubs’ first health checkup at three weeks of age, the Six Flags Veterinary Team noted that one female cub weighed only 2.5 pounds, the typical birthweight. The remaining cubs—three girls and one boy—tipped the scales at a healthy 6 pounds. The team brought the tiniest cub to the clinic, where she remained in an incubator and received around-the-clock bottle feedings until she began to thrive. “Without human intervention, she would not have survived,” said Six Flags Veterinarian Dr. Ken Keiffer, who also noted the grim survival rate of wild tigers at 50 percent.
Siberian tigers, also known as Amur tigers, are critically endangered with an estimated wild population of only 500 due to poaching, hunting and habitat loss. As the largest cats in the world, they average 11 feet long with a three-foot tail. Despite originating from snowy regions such as Russia, China and North Korea where a white coat may help them blend in with their surroundings, they bear a bold orange and black coat with a unique stripe pattern. They are powerful, solitary carnivores.
“Nadya’s cubs help ensure the survival of this precious species for at least two more decades,” Dr. Keiffer said. “At Six Flags, we aim to teach our guests about conservation, and we hope it inspires them to help preserve these and other amazing animals here on Earth.”
Six Flags Wild Safari doubled its Siberian tiger population with this most recent birth. Guests can see Nadya and four of her cubs in the safari’s Tigris Asiana section of the Drive-Thru Adventure in the coming weeks. The littlest cub will remain in the veterinary clinic for the next few months.
The Wild Safari offers additional unique experiences to see Nadya and her cubs:
- ‘Safari Overnight’ Camp Out July 15 & 16: Guests can pitch a tent at Safari’s Camp Aventura and fall asleep to the lullaby of a lion’s roar. This exclusive Safari Overnight event features animal activities, giraffe feeding and other special animal appearances. Guests can bring their tent and sleeping bag to make memories that will last a lifetime. Advance tickets are required and space is limited, visit www.sixflags.com/greatadventure/events
- ‘Giraffe Encounter’ Safari VIP Tour: Six FlagsGreat Adventure theme park offers a new safari VIP experience, the Giraffe Encounter Tour. This off-road adventure on military-style, open-air trucks features an informative and engaging tour guide through seven sections of the Wild Safari and the opportunity to hand-feed giraffes at Wild Safari’s Camp Aventura. Tour guests can also meet small exotic animals up-close. Program runs select days through June 29 and daily June 30 through Sept. 4. Tour tickets may be purchased in advance or at the theme park;
- Private ‘Giraffe Encounter’ Tour: Six Flags Great Adventure guests can experience the Giraffe Encounter Tour with a private Safari Off-Road vehicle. This personalized excursion can be shared with up to 30 family and friends. The tour includes a fun and educational guide to narrate the trip, plus giraffe feeding at Camp Aventura. Fee required. Contact safariprograms@sixflags.com with booking requests or further questions.
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company with $1.2 billion in revenue and 18 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For 54 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions including up-close animal encounters, Fright Fest® and Holiday in the Park®. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com
