Bhubaneswar: Experiencing motherhood for the second time, tigress Ankita gave birth to five cubs at Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.
The red tigress gave birth to the cubs at enclosure No. 31 of the zoo. Of the five, one cub was stillborn, sources said.
The four newborns are red in colour. Both mother and the cubs have been kept under CCTV surveillance.
According to zoo sources, tigress Ankita was stated to be taking proper care of the newborns. Zoo officials are also taking necessary steps for their wellbeing.
Tigress Ankita was reported to have become pregnant after mating with Royal Bengal Tiger Nandan. This was her second pregnancy.
With this, the tiger population at Nandankanan has increased to 31, including seven white tigers.
It may be recalled that white tigress Rupa have given birth to three cubs in Nandankanan in January this year.
