Rare tiger cub from litter of four dies

A Sumatran tiger cub which was part of a litter of four has died, a Kent animal park says.

Howletts Wild Animal Park, near Canterbury, said the cubs, born in April, were the first of the extremely rare breed to be welcomed at the site.

A spokesperson told the BBC the cub "died of natural causes" but the remaining three are "doing exceptionally well and growing in confidence and character every day".

"While it is always heartbreaking to lose a young animal, sadly this is not uncommon in large cat litters," said Richard Langston, head of carnivores at Howletts.

Langston said despite the loss the cubs' mother, Tipah, has proven herself to be an "exceptional parent" throughout their development.

"Tipah spends most of her time keeping a watchful eye on them while enjoying a little respite from all the jumping, biting and playing that comes with raising energetic tiger cubs," he added.

Howletts said the youngsters were becoming "increasingly bold and playful" as they explore their surroundings.

It added individual personalities were beginning to emerge, with one youngster already showing a noticeably independent streak and often choosing to spend time away from its siblings.

"Nakal, the cub's father, continues to spend time observing Tipah and the youngsters," the team explained.

"He has been incredibly patient and calm during these introductions, and it has been wonderful to see the family dynamic develop."

Howletts said there were fewer than 400 Sumatran tigers remaining in the wild.

According to Edinburgh Zoo, Sumatran tigers are critically endangered due to habitat destruction and poaching.

They are the smallest tiger subspecies and are native to Sumatra, one of Indonesia's largest islands.

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