London Zoo’s trio of tiger cubs have first health check up

London zoo staff were delighted to confirm that they had three healthy and “super strong” Sumatran tigers in their care, following the cubs’ first check up.

The triplets were given a clean bill of health following a nose to tail examination by ZSL veterinarian Dr Ellie Milnes.

Staff were happy to confirm the sexes of the stripy babies - two males and a female - as their mother, Gaysha, waited outside in the paddock while they received their first vaccinations.

Zookeepers had a job and a half to do in keeping the wriggling and hissing cubs still for their first jabs.

Zookeeper Lucy Reed said: “It’s not very often we are ‘hands on’ with the animals we look after - in fact most of the time we do the complete opposite – so I was very excited to get to help hold the cubs, it’s a huge privilege.

“However, I think it’s safe to say the cubs didn’t feel the same way – they’re super strong already and holding them still for their injections felt like doing a mega workout.

“It’s a really encouraging sign though, as all the fidgeting and hisses are a completely instinctive behaviour and something we want to see them doing!”

Weighing in at a respectable 9.3kg, 8.25kg (the two males) and 6.7kg (the female), the cubs were also fitted with a microchip during the health check.

Dr Ellie Milnes added: “This first health check is really important for the cubs.

“Not only is it a chance for us to really investigate how they’re doing and how well they’re growing, but their first vaccinations help to boost their young immune system and keep them healthy and well.

“It gives us great pleasure to say we have three healthy – and super strong – cubs in our care.”

The cubs now await names after confirmation of their sexes.