Watch: Tiger cub who used walking aids in first few weeks of life marks first birthday at West Midlands Safari Park
A critically endangered tiger cub at West Midlands Safari Park who had to a tough start to life has celebrated her first birthday.
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Lestari made history when she was born at the attraction in Bewdley on July 4 last year to mum, Dourga, and dad, Nakal, becoming the first Sumatran cub to arrive there.
But when she was just four weeks old, keepers at the park noticed a weakness in her front limbs which was affecting her development.
Joined by the veterinary team, they decided to step in and set up a three-week long physiotherapy programme, involving exercises and using walking aids to help strengthen her legs.
Their hard work paid off and a year later, Lestari can run, leap and bound her enclosure.
To celebrate the one-year milestone, keepers put together a birthday fest for the young tiger including a cake made from frozen goat’s milk, chunks of meat and some shaped, blood ice blocks.
Lestari further marked the special occasion by playing with some of her favourite toys.
Head keeper of carnivores at West Midlands Safari Park, Chris Hodgkins, said: "When Lestari arrived a year ago, the keepers and I were over the moon.
"However, we started to notice something wasn’t quite right with her legs and so our vet team had to step in, to carry out daily physiotherapy to aid her walking.
“The physio was a success and Lestari has gone from strength to strength since. This has created a very special bond with us all and to see her progress and become stronger every day, has been very rewarding.”
Mr Hodgkins described the tiger cub as "active" and "mischievous" and said though independent at times, she never wanders from from her mum's side.
He added: "The keepers worked really hard to ensure a very easy introduction with her dad, Nakal, who she has also bonded extremely well with.
"We often see her playing with Nakal and giving him a good run around. It is amazing to see that our efforts a year ago have paid off and we’re all very proud of the young tiger Lestari has become.”
Sumatran tigers are classed as ‘critically endangered’, which means there is an extremely high likelihood they could face extinction in the near future.
There are estimated to be fewer than 400 individuals left in the wild and numbers seem to be decreasing.
Visitors to the safari park can spot Lestari with her parents in Tiger Tropics, located in the walk-through area.
More information can be found on the attraction's website.
