Jaya, Topan, and Kasarna, the Sumatran tigers
Those tiger cubs were born on January 2, 2015, at Chester Zoo in England. There are only 300 to 400 left in the wild, which places these felines on the critically endangered list. Most of their natural jungle habitat (栖息地) has been destroyed, and they are common targets for poachers(偷猎者). Found in the forests on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, the tiger is the smallest of big cat species. |
African painted dog pups
Pictured at three months old, these African painted puppies were born at the Port Lympne Reserve in Kent, England. Originally from South Africa, the species are natural hunters and live in packs of 20-30 members. Scientists estimate their population size around 3,000 to 5,500. They are targets of human killings, and are easily harmed by disease and habitat destruction, placing them on the endangered list. |
Pancake, the cheetah
Pancake was born on February 28, 2015, at Wildlife Safari in Winston, Oregon. When she was six weeks old, a pup named Dayo arrived at the zoo to serve as his companion. Cheetahs are naturally shy, so zoos often pair them with dogs to help them overcome their anxiety. Cheetahs are native to eastern and southwestern Africa; fewer than 10,000 felines remain in the wild. |
Asmara, the Sumatran orangutan
Asmara was born on November 22, 2014, at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo in Indiana. These monkeys are endangered in the wild, with fewer than 14,000 left. Agricultural development has ruined their natural forest home. They are hunted, mainly to be kept in homes as status symbols. They live in the trees, almost never touching the ground. |
