14 DAY TRIAL // In early August, a pair of twin tiger cubs were born at the Smithsonian's National Zoo. Bandar and Sukacita, i.e. a boy and a girl, are now big enough to be allowed to hang out in the outdoor habitat together with their mom, 4-year-old Damail.
However, they first had to prove that they were able to look after themselves. To do so, they had to pass a swimming test.
Together with their keepers, the baby tigers went for a swim in the tiger habitat's moat. Both cubs managed to keep their heads well above the water, and even make it back on land on their own once they were sick of floating about, Zoo Borns tells us.
“Tigers are one of the few species of cats that enjoy taking a dip in water. Our job is to make sure that if the cubs venture into the moat, they know how and where to get out,” explains keeper Craig Saffoe.
“These cubs represent hope for their critically endangered species’ future, so we need to take every precaution to ensure their survival,” he adds.
By the looks of it, the tiger cubs will officially make their public debut this coming November 18.