Longleat tiger cubs take first steps on safari

Two tiger cubs have begun exploring Longleat’s drive-through safari as keepers reveal their names.

The 14-week-old Amur tiger cubs, named Anya and Ginny, have been gradually introduced to the safari following their latest vaccinations.

The sisters were born to mum Yana and dad Red in July and recently ventured out into the long grass, explored a pond and climbed over logs under the watchful eye of their mother.

Safari team manager Amy Waller said, “It was fantastic to see them running around following mum and really exploring the safari.

“After an hour or so mum took them in and we will be gradually increasing the time they spend in the drive-through over the coming weeks.”

Anya’s name is an anagram of Yana, as a tribute to her mother. It also means grace, reflecting her quiet nature, according to keepers.

Ginny’s name is a tribute to her father, Red, and means pure. Keepers describe her as having a more fiery, independent personality.

The pair are Yana and Red’s third litter. Yana gave birth to four female cubs in 2024, three of which remain at Longleat, making the estate home to the largest family of Amur tigers in the UK.

The cubs are part of the European breeding programme, which aims to help preserve the species for future generations. An estimated 450 Amur tigers remain in the wild.

Visitors are being asked to take extra care when driving through the safari while the cubs become accustomed to vehicles.

Amy said, “Just like the pups, the cubs aren’t familiar with cars so we are asking guests to take extra care when driving through and as always our keepers will be in their patrol vehicles keeping a close eye too.”

The cubs’ first outings follow the arrival of wolf pups at Longleat earlier this year. The pups, born to mum Meg, began exploring their enclosure last month.