PREVIEW

Longleat's Tiger Cubs Celebrate 1st Birthday With Cake. Longleat’s rare Amur tiger cubs had a roarsome first birthday thanks to a special meaty cake prepared for them by their keepers. The four tigers, who are now two-thirds of the weight and size of mum, Yana, were born on 9 May last year and are the second litter for mum and dad Red. After a public vote, they were named Heidi, Seeka, Dora-Boo and Ginger Biscuit. A frozen meat extract and ostrich egg cake with sardines as candles proved a popular treat for the four. It was also devoured in minutes. Caleb Hall, Lead Keeper, said: “The cubs are about two thirds the weight and size of mum and growing fast”. “They range in size, strength, confidence, speed and agility because they are not identical siblings and all have differences that would have a benefit to survival in the wild.” “They all enjoy playing, being in the pond splashing and swimming and having naps in the sun which Yana appreciates as its tiring raising and looking after the four.” Heidi is the largest, loves her food and challenges mum for it, while Ginger Biscuit is the playful one. Seeka is the second largest; very similar to mum, quite reserved and happy with her own company, while Dora-boo is the smallest and has a sweet nature.