Three cubs have been born to a Royal Bengal tiger couple at Chittagong Zoo, reports UNB. Dr Md Shahadat Hossain Shuvo, veterinary surgeon of the zoo, said the tigress - Pori -- gave birth to the triplets on Thursday afternoon and they were now in good condition. However, the sex of the baby tigers could not be ascertained immediately, he said, adding that it will take some time. Once the sexes are determined, the tiger cubs will be given names, he added.

The tiger couple -- Raj and Pori -- was imported from South Africa at a cost of Tk 33 lakh on December 9, 2016. Chittagong Zoo authorities earlier attempted to procure tigers from the Dhaka Zoo and Dulahajra Safari Park, but received no response. They then decided to purchase by paying out of their pocket for a pair from South Africa.

The Chittagong Zoo was previously the home to three tigers. But 'Vim' passed away on Nov 3, 2006, at the age of 23. ‘Chandra’ passed away on Jul 11, 2007 at the age of 10 and His companion 'Purnima' died of cancer on Oct 30, 2012. The tiger enclosure remained empty between 2012 and 2016, since the arrival of Raj and Pori.

Meanwhile, State Minister for Public Administration Ismat Ara Sadique along with her girl Nawrin Sadique and granddaughter Navin Ittema visited the zoo yesterday to see the tiger cubs. Deputy Commissioner Md Elias Hossain, Additional Deputy Commissioner Mominur Rashid and zoo veterinary surgeon Dr Md Shahadat Hossain Shuvo were present.