Tokyo’s Tobu Zoo is abuzz with excitement as four rare white tiger cubs made their public debut. Born on March 16 to seven-year-old tigress Karla, these tiny cubs have quickly become the zoo’s newest stars, drawing crowds eager for a glimpse. Visitors have patiently waited over an hour to see the little ones explore their enclosure under their mother’s watchful eye.
Weighing just 11 pounds and measuring between 11 and 16 inches, the family includes one female and three males. Even at this young age, the cubs are showing curiosity about the meat their mother prefers, marking an important step in their growth. Meanwhile, their father, Rocky, recently encountered the cubs for the first time from his neighboring cage, looking puzzled by the unexpected visitors.
White Bengal tigers are a rare genetic variant, with a global population of roughly 250, making these cubs a precious sight. While their striking appearance draws many admirers, white tigers remain controversial in conservation circles due to inbreeding concerns. Experts argue that efforts should prioritize less inbred tiger populations facing similar threats.
One visitor, Yusuke Terada, shared his delight: “Seeing such tiny babies made me very happy. Watching three baby tigers play while their mother watched over them was heartwarming. What a lovely family.”
