Rare Sumatran Tiger Cubs Pass Swim Test at Washington Zoo

Two Sumatran tiger cub siblings, part of a critically endangered subspecies, born at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington August 5 take — and pass — a “swim reliability” test.

Two Sumatran tiger cub siblings born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington August 5 took — and passed — a “swim reliability” test November 6.

During the test, the cubs, Bandar and Sukacita, were able to keep their heads above water, navigate to the shallow end of the moat and climb onto dry land to pass the test and prove to animal care staff that they are ready to safely explore their outdoor habitat. Above, Sukacita takes the swim reliability test at the zoo’s moat.

The United States works with tiger-range countries to protect both the surviving tigers and key tiger habitat. Some tiger subspecies already are extinct. Remaining subspecies include the Bengal, Indo-Chinese, South China, Amur and Sumatran tigers. Pressure from illegal killing, a shrinking food supply and habitat loss led to the extinction of the Bali, Javan and Caspian subspecies and continues to threaten the survival of the remaining subspecies.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has directed more than $10 million toward conserving forests and combating the illegal trade in wildlife, both steps of which benefit tiger habitats and population. Since 2005, USAID and the State Department have contributed more than $8 million to establish and support regional wildlife-enforcement networks in Southeast and South Asia to increase enforcement capacity and improve regional coordination in the fight against illegal trade in wildlife.

In Indonesia, the United States is partnering with four local nongovernmental organizations in Sumatra to protect Sumatran tigers from poaching, habitat degradation and conflict with humans — the most serious threats to their survival. The population of Sumatran tigers is estimated to be as low as 250 tigers.