JACKSON, NJ — The Six Flags Wild Safari family has grown by two, after the birth of two Siberian tiger cubs in late April.
The two cubs, both females, were born in Nadya on April 25, Six Flags Great Adventure officials said. Nadya is the Siberian tiger who raised his hand through the safari animal care team with the African lion Zuri when they were both abandoned at birth 4 years ago.
The two cubs, now 10 weeks old, have been named Heather and Julie, after Heather Mitts Feeley and Julie Ertz, members of the United States women’s national soccer team. Nadya gave birth to her first cub in 2019; that cub was named Carli, after soccer star Carli Lloyd.
While Carli raised her hand through the safari team, Nadya took over Heather and Julie, said Dr. Ken Keiffer, the safari vet. Read more: New Tiger Cub in Six Flags named after New Jersey football star Carli Lloyd
“It’s not unusual for tiger moms to abandon their young for the first time,” Keiffer said. “Although Carli was raised through our animal care team, Nadya has shown wonderful care in raising Heather and Julie.
In the wild, cubs spend two to three years with their mother before they go off on their own, he said.
Nadya, Zuri and Carli, raised through the safari animal care team, still show affection to the animal care team even though they are separated by fences, park staff said. The 3 rub their fences and the tigers will give their signature “chuff” as friendly greetings. The animal care team “snorting” in response, park staff said. Read more: Six Flags shows a lion and tigers raised together
Heather and Julie weigh about 15 pounds and will weigh more than 500 pounds. Siberian tigers, the world’s largest cats, are in danger; it is estimated that there are less than 500 left in the wild.
You can make a stopover on Nadya, Heather and Julie in the Tigris Asiana segment of the Wild Safari Drive-Thru adventure. “Aunt” Zuri the African lion and his sister Carli are nearby.
Wild Safari remains a self-guided driving service against the coronavirus pandemic. You will need to purchase tickets and make a reservation before visiting using Six Flags’ new online registration system. A new loose audio tour will be streamed online providing fun data on 70 other species of safari animals. Learn more about animals and their habitats, buy tickets, book and share the percentage of the audio tour on the Six Flags website.
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