00:01They're small, they're stripy and they could just help save one of the rarest big cats on air.
00:07Two Amur tigers have been born at Knowsley Safari, the first here on Merseyside in almost 30 years.
00:13Five-year-old Yuki gave birth of the 29th of July just months after arriving from Longleat as part of a global breeding programme.
00:21Safe in their cosy den, the cubs are feeding well and bonding with mum under the watchful eye of keepers who are monitoring them remotely.
00:29Visitors won't be able to see the new arrivals in person just yet though, but the cub cam on the tiger trail has been giving a glimpse of family life until they're ready to venture outside, which is expected to be later this autumn.
00:43Seven-year-old male Amur tiger Makari, who fathered the cubs, remains in his neighbouring paddock.
00:49Amur tigers are the largest big cat species in the world, but also one of the most endangered, with only around 500 now left in the wild.
01:00Threatened by poaching and loss of habitat due to logging and deforestation in the Russian Far East, each new birth is a major boost for conservation.
01:07The sex of Noseley's cubs won't be known until their eight-week health check, but their arrival follows four female cubs born at Longleat last year.
01:18Animal team manager Pete Johnson says it is wonderful to see Yuki caring for her cubs so well and a real sign of hope for the species' future.
01:27Noseley's safari supports international efforts to protect wild tigers through the Wildcats Conservation Alliance.
01:34For now, these new cubs are staying behind the scenes, but in a few short months, visitors could have the rare chance to see the next generation of Amur tigers in action.
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