In Australia Zoo, an amazing story of a mother Bengal tiger took place when her motherly instincts kicked in after the birth of her first cub. A majestic tiger, Katelin, was about to become a mother of twin cubs for the first time.
Anticipation fills the air of a room filled with zoo staff members who are huddled around a TV with their eyes fixed on a live preview of Katelin in labor. The first-time mother tiger is expecting twins, an event spreading excitement to everyone involved. Tension progresses as Katelin’s labor intensifies, which is ongoing for several hours.
In the staff room, everyone was rooting for the Katelin. Behind the window of her enclosure, a dedicated caretaker stays in constant contact with the staff, updating them through a walkie-talkie. As more tension builds up in the room, the arrival of the first cub has everyone cheering and relieved. They were hoping to witness the power of a mother’s instinct when they saw the cub covered with the amniotic sac.
The tiny being seemed frail, and the staff immediately felt concerned about its chances of survival. “Two minutes after birth, the cub was still not breathing properly,” the male caretaker said.
Katelin’s motherly instinct kicked in, and instantly licked her stillborn cub. This gesture is a process of stimulating the cub’s breathing in hopes of making it survive. In the backroom, tension arose among the staff members who were rooting for Katelin and praying for a miracle.
Just as hope seems lost, the cub starts to breathe more steadily and makes a squeaking sound for its mother. The team in the backroom was relieved and began to cheer. However, they knew the process was not over since the second cub had yet to arrive.
Anticipation again builds up among the team as Katelin’s contractions resume. Thankfully, the second birth went smoother.
The second cub was strong and was immediately wriggling as it arrived. The team cheered loudly as the mother tiger cleaned and comforted her newborn twins.
In a touching turn of events, Katelin was now at ease and allowed her caregivers to approach her. A staff member comforted her, given the strenuous process she has undergone. The gesture of trust between humans and big cats is extraordinary, especially given the protective nature of majestic tigers. It’s as though Katelin feels grateful for the support and care she’s received.
Even with their eyes still closed, the bond between the twin cubs and their mother is evident. ❤️
The caretakers and the rest of the team remained cautious, ensuring the well-being of this new Bengal tiger family. The future of the newborn cubs looks bright, thanks to the dedicated staff members and caretakers, especially the love and maternal instincts of their mother.
Katelin’s journey is a testament to hope, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her offspring. It is proof of the strength of life and the power of love. The birth of the cubs is a tribute to the miracle of life and the dedication of people who work to preserve it. Katelin’s story touches the hearts of every person and reminds us of the wonders of nature.
▼ Watch the video below to witness the incredible moment of Katelin’s journey:
Screenshot images and Video credits: © BBC Earth/YouTube