Baby Tiger: 5 Cub Pictures and 5 Facts

Baby tiger cubs are some of the cutest felines in the world. However, did you know that one president tried to keep tiger cubs as his presidential pets? Or that each litter of tiger cubs has a dominant sibling? Keep reading to see five adorable pictures of tiger cubs and learn five astounding facts about baby tigers. 

#1: A U.S. President Is Said to Have Received Two Tiger Cubs as a Gift 

Martin Van Buren is said to be the only president in U.S. history to have had two adorable baby tiger cubs as pets. Van Buren is believed to have received two tiger cubs from the Sultan of Oman when he became president in 1837. However, sources say Congress quickly intervened, and the cubs were never allowed to live at the White House.

While there are some doubts about the accuracy of this story, President Calvin Coolidge did receive a gift of lion cubs from the mayor of Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1927. Coolidge briefly kept the lion cubs before transferring them to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park.

#2: Tiger Cubs Are Born Completely Blind

Baby tiger cubs are born blind. Their eyes are not fully developed at birth, and they are unable to see for about the first two weeks. During this time, the cubs depend on their sense of smell and their mother’s help to navigate the world around them.

While baby tigers are vulnerable, the mothers protect them from predators by hiding the cubs and only leaving the den to hunt. Cubs stay with their mothers until they are able to hunt on their own, which typically occurs between 18 and 24 months of age.

#3: Each Litter Has a Dominant Cub

Researchers believe there is a dominant cub in every litter. By the time the cubs reach around 16 months, there is a hierarchy established among the siblings, with a dominant cub in the lead. Most commonly, this cub is a male that is larger and stronger than its siblings.

The dominant cub is typically the first to eat when the mother returns with food. This cub consumes the most resources and is also generally the first to leave the family unit.

#4: One Male Tiger in India Adopted a Litter of Baby Tiger Cubs

Typically, male tigers have little to do with the babies they sire. In fact, male tigers often kill a female’s cubs for the opportunity to mate with her. However, one male tiger on a wildlife reserve in India was observed by researchers caring for four tiger cubs after their mother died.

Researchers noted that this male tiger was seen sharing his prey with the babies and often interacted with them, showing no signs of being a threat to the cubs. Officials believe this male tiger is the cubs’ father, but this is a behavior typically only seen in tiger mothers.

#5: Only About Half of Baby Tigers Reach Age Two

Even though mother tigers fiercely protect their young, only about half of each litter of tiger cubs live past the age of two. This is due to several factors, with the most common being poaching, scarcity of food, and habitat loss.

Tigers that survive past the age of two live to an average of 15 years in the wild. However, some species may have shorter lifespans. For example, Bengal tigers in the wild may only reach 8-10 years old. Tigers fare better in captivity, living an average of 20 years. Some long-lived individuals may even reach up to 25 years of age.