Three new additions to one of the most endangered species in the world were presented to the public at Dublin Zoo today.
Satu, Dua and Tiga - female Sumatran tiger cubs - made their first public appearance just ten weeks after they were born at the zoo.
Their names mean One, Two and Three in their indigenous country, Indonesia. Massive deforestation and poaching has led to the number of Sumatran tigers in the wild falling to just 400 and experts say breeding in captivity is essential to the sub-species' survival.
Director of Dublin Zoo, Mr Leo Oosterweghel, said the cubs were thriving. "Everyone here has worked exceptionally hard at ensuring that the delicate bonding process between mother and cubs was successful, and in ensuring that the cubs grew up healthy and strong in their first three months," he said.
The cubs' father Indah, was transferred to Dublin Zoo in November while their mother, Sigra, has been on loan to Dublin Zoo since last August as part of an international breeding programme.
The Sumatran tiger is the smallest of the five remaining tiger sub-species, with a dark orange coat and black stripes on its forelegs and lives for up to 15 years in the wild and 20 years in captivity.
Last year Sigra gave birth to Ratna, who was hand-reared by keepers at Dublin Zoo when she rejected her cub. But the zoo said today she has "learned valuable lessons in parenting from that experience and is now displaying excellent maternal instincts".