Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in St. Paul welcomed the birth of two critically endangered Amur tiger cubs on the morning of Aug. 29. These cubs—a male and a female—are the first tigers born at Como Zoo in more than 41 years, marking a historic and exciting moment for the zoo and its conservation efforts.
The cubs’ mother, Bernadette, is 7 years old and was born on Sept. 14, 2016, at the Milwaukee County Zoo in Wisconsin. She joined Como Zoo from the Oregon Zoo in October 2023. The father, Tsar, is 11 years old, born on July 6, 2013, at the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, Kansas. Tsar has been a resident of Como Zoo since February 2019. This is the first time both Bernadette and Tsar have become parents.
The pairing of Tsar and Bernadette was made following a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Amur Tiger Species Survival Plan (SSP), a program dedicated to the management and conservation of Amur tigers in accredited institutions across the country. With a gestation period of approximately 104 days, the arrival of these cubs offers new hope for this critically endangered species.
“This is an extraordinary milestone for Como,” says Michelle Furrer, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory’s director, in a prepared statement. “The birth of these tiger cubs is not only a testament to the dedication and expertise of our animal care team but also a beacon of hope for the conservation of Amur tigers worldwide. We look forward to sharing their growth and milestones with everyone who visits Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.”
Both mother and cubs are in good health and will remain in their private, calm maternity den for the next few months. This period is crucial for mother-cub bonding and for the cubs to grow strong enough to explore their outdoor habitat safely. Zookeepers and veterinary staff are monitoring the new family closely via cameras, observing Bernadette being a diligent and attentive mother—cleaning, feeding, and keeping the cubs warm.
“These cubs represent a significant success for the Amur Tiger Species Survival Plan and for the future of the species,” says Wes Sims, director of animal care and health at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. “Our team is incredibly excited about the birth of these two tiger cubs, especially since they are the first offspring for both parents. It’s a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team that these amazing animals have successfully bred in our care.”
While Bernadette and her cubs will remain off-exhibit for some time, Tsar will continue to be visible to visitors in his habitat. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory will provide regular updates on Bernadette and her cubs through its social media channels, offering the public a chance to follow along as the cubs grow.
Amur tigers, also known as Siberian tigers, are the largest tiger subspecies, with males reaching up to 400 pounds. They once roamed across Siberia but are now confined to a small region around the Amur River in the Russian Far East. With fewer than 400 individuals remaining in the wild, the Amur tigers face critical threats from habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory has several meeting spaces with room for up to 400 for a cocktail reception. The Bullard Rainforest Auditorium includes a lovely outdoor terrace overlooking the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. You can stop by the Amur tiger habitat on your way to your event to potentially see the father, Tsar, in his habitat.
