JACKSON — Pass out the chocolate cigars and let’s celebrate! The Wild Safari at Six Flags has welcomed some new additions to its tribe.

A Siberian tiger named Nadya gave birth on May 2 to an extremely rare litter of five cubs. Most tiger births range from two to four cubs.

One of Nadya's cub (Photo Credit: Gabriel Darretta)
One of Nadya's cub (Photo Credit: Gabriel Darretta)
loading...

This phenomenal birth is significant because as an endangered species, this litter is equivalent to 1 percent of the world’s wild Siberian tiger population, according to a parks spokesperson.

“Nadya’s cubs help ensure the survival of this precious species for at least two more decades,” said Ken Keiffer, a Six Flags veterinarian, who also noted the grim survival rate of wild tigers at 50 percent.

Nadya licking her cubs (Photo Credit: Gabriel Darretta)
Nadya licking her cubs (Photo Credit: Gabriel Darretta)
loading...

Nadya’s latest litter, this is her third, includes four girls and one boy. During the cubs’ first health checkup at three weeks old, the parks veterinary team noted that one female cub only weighed 2.5 pounds while the other cubs tipped the scales at 6 pounds.

Get our free mobile app

The tiny cub was brought to a clinic where she remains in an incubator and receives round-the-clock medical care, including bottle feedings. A Six Flags spokesperson says this will continue until she's able to thrive on her own.

One of Nadya's cubs (Photo Credit: Gabriel Darretta)
One of Nadya's cubs (Photo Credit: Gabriel Darretta)
loading...

“Without human intervention, she would not have survived,” Keiffer said.

Keiffer said at Six Flags, they aim to teach guests about wildlife conservation, and hopefully, it inspires them to help preserve these amazing animals.

Only about 500 Siberian tigers make up the wild population due to poaching, hunting, and habitat loss.

Nadya's cub getting bottle-fed (Photo Credit: Gabriel Darretta)
Nadya's cub getting bottle-fed (Photo Credit: Gabriel Darretta)
loading...

Guests can see Nadya and four of her cubs in the safari’s Tigris Asiana section of the Drive-Thru Adventure in the coming weeks.

The littlest cub, however, will remain in the vet clinic for several more months.

Nadya and her babies can also be seen during a Safari Overnight Camp Out unique experience. On July 15 and 16, guests can pitch a tent at Camp Aventura, feed giraffes and participate in other animal activities. Advance ticket sales are required and space is limited.

These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.
If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions:

More From WPG Talk Radio 95.5 FM