Hyderabad Zoo celebrates six tiger cubs, eyes Himalayan Bear birth next

Hyderabad’s Nehru Zoological Park welcomed six tiger cubs from two litters, including three white tigers, marking a major breeding success. The zoo also expects Himalayan Black Bear cubs soon, along with several other animal births recorded this year

Hyderabad: There is a new and little roar in the air as the Nehru Zoological Park (NZP) here has recently witnessed the birth of six tiger cubs on its premises.

The six cubs are from two different litters, with three normal tiger cubs and three white tiger cubs, marking one of the largest tiger births the zoo has seen in recent years. Prabhas (tiger) and Mala (tigress) gave birth to three cubs in the first litter, while Druva (tiger) and Tara (tigress), parented three white cubs in the second litter. According to Telangana Zoo Parks Director Dr Sunil S Hiremath, both the mothers and cubs are healthy and doing well in their enclosure.

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This time, the zoo got a different gene pool and new bloodline, with the tiger being from Darjeeling and the tigress, a wild one, from Kanpur. To prevent the risk of inbreeding and genetic disorders, new bloodlines are being introduced through animal exchanges with other zoos.

Presently, the zoo has a collection of seven yellow Bengal Tigers and ten White Tigers. The new cubs, which are under the observation of the zoo’s veterinary department, will be added to the zoo’s inventory list after three months of birth.

In another first, the zoo is now gearing up for the birth of Himalayan Black Bear cubs. A female Himalayan Black Bear has recently been confirmed pregnant, and at least two cubs in the litter are expected.

If successful, this will mark the zoo’s debut in breeding this species, which is native to forests in the Himalayas. This bear is known for its thick black fur and distinctive white chest mark.

Presently, the zoo is housing four Himalayan Black Bears, with one male and three females, and two female Malayan Sun Bears. “For the first time, we have started Himalayan Black Bear breeding. We are hopeful of success,” Dr Sunil S Hiremath told Telangana Today. Another expectant is a sloth bear, which is also carrying.

For the first time since the zoo’s inception, a litter of five wolf pups was recently born. The pups have been kept behind the scenes for their development and bonding with their parents.

Overall, the zoo saw the birth of around 80 animals, including White Tigers, Black Bucks, Sambar Deer, Nilgai and Four-Horned Antelope, in 2024–25, marking successful breeding programmes. Around 40 animals, including White Tigers, Bengal Tigers, Indian Wolf, Hog Deer, Golden Jackal and Asian Palm Civet, have been born between April and August this year.