There’s a new roar echoing at the Nehru Zoological Park (NZP), Hyderabad, as the zoo proudly welcomed six tiger cubs — including three rare white tigers in a major breeding milestone. The cubs come from two different litters and represent one of the zoo’s most successful tiger breeding events in recent years.
The first litter, born to Prabhas (tiger) and Mala (tigress), brought three healthy Bengal tiger cubs. The second litter, from Druva (tiger) and Tara (tigress), resulted in three white tiger cubs. According to Telangana Zoo Parks Director Dr. Sunil S Hiremath, both the mothers and cubs are thriving under close veterinary care.
This achievement also strengthens the zoo’s genetic diversity strategy. To prevent inbreeding and genetic disorders, NZP has been introducing new bloodlines through animal exchanges. The latest cubs come from parents sourced from Darjeeling and Kanpur, expanding the genetic pool for future tiger populations.
Currently, the zoo houses seven Bengal Tigers and ten White Tigers. The new cubs will officially be added to the zoo’s inventory after three months, once they are strong enough for public listing.
Eyes on Himalayan Black Bear Cubs
Alongside the tiger triumph, Hyderabad Zoo is preparing for another exciting milestone: the first-ever breeding of Himalayan Black Bears. A female bear has been confirmed pregnant, and officials expect at least two cubs in the coming months. If successful, this will be the zoo’s first Himalayan Black Bear birth since its inception.
Known for their thick black fur and distinct white chest patch, Himalayan Black Bears are native to the forests of the Himalayas and are classified as vulnerable. NZP currently houses four Himalayan Black Bears (one male and three females) along with two Malayan Sun Bears. “For the first time, we have started Himalayan Black Bear breeding. We are hopeful of success,” Dr. Hiremath said.
A Year of New Life at Hyderabad Zoo
The zoo has already celebrated several births this year, including:
- A litter of five wolf pups (the first in the zoo’s history).
- Nearly 80 new animals in 2024–25, including Black Bucks, Sambar Deer, Nilgai, and Four-Horned Antelope.
- Around 40 animals born between April and August 2025 alone, spanning species like Indian Wolves, Hog Deer, Golden Jackals, and Asian Palm Civets.
With successful breeding programmes across species, the Nehru Zoological Park continues to play a crucial role in conservation, captive breeding, and public education about endangered wildlife.
👉 At animalrights.in, we emphasize that wildlife conservation is not only about public zoos or forests—it’s also about ensuring responsible stewardship wherever animals are kept, whether in private sanctuaries, wildlife parks, or rehabilitation centres. Every inquiry, audit, and investigation should reaffirm that animals are treated with care, respect, and dignity.
