Tiger Cubs

The newest additions to the Dreamworld family are growing up fast! 

Khan (born 25 May 2019 to mum Nika) has joined his two nephews, Zakari and Javi (born 26 April 2019 to mum Adira), on Tiger Island as they learn and grow together. The cubs help support the Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation’s global conservation initiatives for tigers in the wild.

Questions? Check out our FAQs

1. What are the cubs’ names?

   1. Dreamworld's cubs are called Javi, Zakari and Khan. True to the cubs' stripes, Javi, meaning victorious, is from an Indian origin where tigers roam in the wild. The name Zakari was chosen as it is associated with individuals who have a desire to inspire others in a higher cause, which goes hand-in-hand, or paw-in-paw, with our global conservation drive.
      The newest set of paws welcomed to the family this year is named Khan. Team members put their claws on the name as it reflects the cub’s stripes and greater purpose as an ambassador for his endangered cousins in the wild; meaning a leader who focuses on large, important issues.

2. Who are the cubs’ parents?

   1. The parents Khan, born on 26 May, are Nika and Raja. Raja has lived at Dreamworld since 2005 and Nika since 2013.
      The parents of Javi and Zakari, born on 26 April, are new mum Adira, aged 4 and Pi, aged 9 – both tigers have grown up at Dreamworld. Adira was born and raised at our world-class facility.

3. Are single-cub litters normal?

   1. While it is slightly less common for a tiger to have a single-cub litter, it does happen and is a normal occurrence. We’re happy that Nika delivered a healthy cub who will be exploring the park very soon.

4. Why did you have another cub so soon after the first litter?

   1. Dreamworld actively participates in the Global Species Management Program, working with zoos across the world to keep the Sumatran Tiger gene alive. There are only about 300 Sumatran Tigers left in the wild, including a small population in the forests of Kerinci Seblat in Sumatra, where we fund anti-poaching patrols through the Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation (DWF).
      We carefully plan the number of tigers maintained at Tiger Island based on our facilities, staff numbers and the genetic diversity, and partner with other accredited zoos worldwide to ensure a healthy population.

5. What ‘kind’ of tigers are the cubs?

   1. The cubs at Dreamworld have the Siberian and Sumatran subspecies in their background.

6. What does Dreamworld do to support tigers?

   1. Dreamworld, through DWF, is one of the largest zoological contributors to tiger conservation worldwide, raising over $3.5 million towards funding anti-poaching teams, removing snares laid to trap tigers, training enforcement officers to combat illegal wildlife trade and supporting community conservation programs in Russia, Sumatra and Nepal. You can read more about Dreamworld’s Animal Welfare Position Statement here.

7. Why do tigers live at Dreamworld?

   1. The contributions of DWF are primarily achieved through the unique interactive environment at Tiger Island, where tigers can roam around and interact with their handlers. Tiger Island is an educational and conservation precinct, raising money to help save tigers in the wild. This is done through educational talks, daily presentations and a variety of ways for guests to interact and make financial contributions to DWF.