Sumatran Tiger Cubs Vaccinated in Greece as Part of Global Conservation Effort
Three 2-month-old Sumatran tiger cubs, born at a zoo near Athens, Greece, received their first vaccinations and identification microchips on Tuesday. This initiative is part of a global effort to establish a backup population for the critically endangered species. The cubs, two males and one female, were born in early July to their mother, Toba, and late father, Argos. Veterinary staff at Attica Zoological Park managed the demanding procedure, which included ferrying the restless cubs in carriers. The vaccine administered is similar to one commonly given to domestic cats and protects against three diseases. The Sumatran tiger is classified as critically endangered by the United Nations and conservation groups, with as few as 400 believed to remain in the wild, primarily due to aggressive forest clearing on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Zoos in Europe and worldwide are maintaining these safety populations with the long-term goal of potential reintroductions into their natural habitat. 
