0:00:02 > 0:00:04Meet the rarest cubs in the world.
0:00:06 > 0:00:09These baby Sumatran tigers offer real hope
0:00:09 > 0:00:13for the future of their critically endangered species.
0:00:13 > 0:00:14Hey, aren't you beautiful?
0:00:14 > 0:00:17For their first four months,
0:00:17 > 0:00:21they'll be growing up in a suburban Australian family home...
0:00:24 > 0:00:26..where they'll be completely reliant on their foster dad,
0:00:26 > 0:00:29tiger expert Giles Clarke.
0:00:29 > 0:00:31I want people to fall in love with these cubs,
0:00:31 > 0:00:34I want people to want to help us save them in the wild.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39This is a unique and intimate look at the growing pains
0:00:39 > 0:00:44of the most important captive tiger cubs on earth.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50- In this episode... - I'm going to go home with her.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53..when the cubs are born...
0:00:53 > 0:00:54My heart is in my mouth.
0:00:54 > 0:00:59..Giles takes on the toughest parenting job of his life.
0:00:59 > 0:01:01It's hard work being a tiger daddy.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03HE SNORES
0:01:03 > 0:01:05And these tigers struggle through
0:01:05 > 0:01:08the first crucial weeks of their lives.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11They're both sick and I don't know why.
0:01:13 > 0:01:17Can this zookeeper from Middlesex give these superstar cubs
0:01:17 > 0:01:19the start they need
0:01:19 > 0:01:25and help save their species from the brink of extinction?
0:01:34 > 0:01:37Giles Clarke is a zookeeper with a lot on his plate.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40It's too early for barking!
0:01:40 > 0:01:42As well as two boisterous children...
0:01:42 > 0:01:44You need to wake up!
0:01:45 > 0:01:49- What's on the agenda at school today? - I don't know.
0:01:49 > 0:01:50..a couple of dogs...
0:01:50 > 0:01:52- Make sure he sits.- Sit!
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- ..and one of these... - This is my pet snake.
0:01:56 > 0:01:58- Love you. You have a good day. - You, too.
0:01:58 > 0:02:03- ..he deals with some wilder creatures at work.- He's a wombat.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06They do look like big rodents, don't they? Although they are small,
0:02:06 > 0:02:09I've seen these guys knock over fully grown men.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12Not me, no. I work with tigers.
0:02:12 > 0:02:17Giles works with Sumatran tigers, and with less
0:02:17 > 0:02:21than 500 left in the wild, they are critically endangered.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24Tigers are just, by their sheer definition, the most
0:02:24 > 0:02:29awe-inspiring, amazing creature that I think has ever walked this planet.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32He runs the Tiger Department
0:02:32 > 0:02:35at Australia Zoo in Queensland, Eastern Australia.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41And they have a special approach to managing the animals.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45Do you like the kangaroos? You can feed them today.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47The zoo's philosophy is that if people can see
0:02:47 > 0:02:51and touch the animals, they will want to help conserve them
0:02:51 > 0:02:56in the wild, and this includes nine tigers under Giles' care.
0:02:57 > 0:03:02Apex predators weighing up to 130 kilos.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11Like any animal, they have their good days...
0:03:13 > 0:03:15Ah, there she goes!
0:03:17 > 0:03:20..and they have those days where they've just woken up
0:03:20 > 0:03:22on the wrong side of the straw.
0:03:22 > 0:03:25What's up, big fella? You're so grumpy.
0:03:26 > 0:03:29But there is one special tiger here who could be forgiven
0:03:29 > 0:03:32for having a few mood swings.
0:03:32 > 0:03:37So, this is Kaitlyn, this is our expectant mum-to-be.
0:03:37 > 0:03:40Look at the size of that belly!
0:03:41 > 0:03:45Six-year-old Kaitlyn is just days away from giving birth to
0:03:45 > 0:03:49the first Sumatran tigers ever born at the zoo.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52And Giles is watching her closely.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56Just going to go and take some blood from, um, Kaitlyn.
0:03:56 > 0:04:01So, just another routine check, monitoring her progesterone level.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04So, I'm just putting the kit together, ready,
0:04:04 > 0:04:07so I don't have to mess about when we go in with her.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12A very relaxed Kaitlyn has allowed Giles to take blood
0:04:12 > 0:04:15throughout her pregnancy.
0:04:16 > 0:04:17Good girl.
0:04:18 > 0:04:24And the latest test shows her progesterone levels are dropping,
0:04:24 > 0:04:27which is a good indication that the birth is imminent.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29What?
0:04:29 > 0:04:32Giles is only able to get this close to Kaitlyn
0:04:32 > 0:04:37because of the special hands-on relationship he has with his tigers.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40I have contact with my cats,
0:04:40 > 0:04:43because I truly believe that it gives them the best
0:04:43 > 0:04:46quality of lifestyle that they could possibly have in captivity.
0:04:46 > 0:04:51We, as handlers, will go into the same area as the tigers,
0:04:51 > 0:04:55where we will do various things with them, most importantly,
0:04:55 > 0:04:57we can actually move all of those cats around,
0:04:57 > 0:05:01which then even allows us to take them outside of our compound.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06The reasons why we do these walks just speak volumes for themselves.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09The cats love it and it really is about giving them
0:05:09 > 0:05:13a whole variety of stimulus that they otherwise just normally
0:05:13 > 0:05:17wouldn't get if we were to keep them in one enclosure their entire lives.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20So, this is Juma that we are walking this morning.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22Juma is one of our oldest cats,
0:05:22 > 0:05:24he is now nine and a half years of age,
0:05:24 > 0:05:27so well and truly fully grown.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30Juma is one of the most laid-back individuals that we have.
0:05:30 > 0:05:35He never likes to be rushed, he is a very chilled-out character.
0:05:36 > 0:05:42Giles started working closely with tigers in his teens.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45So, yeah, the first time I ever walked a tiger was at a zoo,
0:05:45 > 0:05:48when I was 16, back in England.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52I was hooked then, I knew I wanted to work with tigers, I knew that
0:05:52 > 0:05:55I wanted to ultimately do what I do now, you know,
0:05:55 > 0:05:57it's a dream come true.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00Training to achieve this level of mutual trust starts
0:06:00 > 0:06:05when the tigers are cubs and has to be continually reinforced.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08So, ultimately, we want the walks to be really positive for them,
0:06:08 > 0:06:11and so, we afford them quite a lot of freedom,
0:06:11 > 0:06:13they get to generally go in the direction that he wants to go in
0:06:13 > 0:06:16and do the things that he wants to do, but there is a very clear
0:06:16 > 0:06:19understanding that he has to respect the handlers.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23We've got a certain set of not only voice commands,
0:06:23 > 0:06:27but in techniques that we use through the leash that we can manage that.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29There needs to be a certain level of understanding
0:06:29 > 0:06:31and compromise on both parts.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38I know, mate. This is what it is.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41Going off-road now, so we're going bush bashing.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43Which is good for him.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46It's not so good for us!
0:06:51 > 0:06:54Kaitlyn has had to miss her daily walk.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57She has an appointment with Mel, the vet.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00We are doing an ultrasound today, we are probably only
0:07:00 > 0:07:05days off the birth, so just looking for a really strong heartbeat.
0:07:05 > 0:07:11The average size of a tiger litter is between two and four cubs.
0:07:11 > 0:07:14Here we go!
0:07:14 > 0:07:16Yeah, everyone has got their bets on, on the day, how many cubs
0:07:16 > 0:07:19and, you know, how many boys, how many girls.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23So, we won't know until it happens. But it's pretty exciting.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27Mel can't get close to Kaitlyn, as she doesn't have her trust,
0:07:27 > 0:07:32so it's down to Giles and his team to do the hands-on work.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36- Let's have a look... - Straightaway, we're on a cub.
0:07:36 > 0:07:41- I can see the skull, the spine. - Can't miss them any more.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44That's awesome. OK.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48So, you are actually seeing glimpses of the airway coming down,
0:07:48 > 0:07:50then that's the heart there.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52Stay still, mate.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- There was two spines there, together, weren't there?- Yeah, there was.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00They are so big that they don't even fit on the screen any more.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04Almost brings a lump to my throat to think that, you know,
0:08:04 > 0:08:09these guys are going to be with us soon, you know, part of the family.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13- Good girl. Hey, there's a little bit left if you want it.- Are you done?
0:08:13 > 0:08:15Shall we call it quits?
0:08:15 > 0:08:19KAITLYN BURPS Aww! Pardon you! Have a burp.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21That's really funny!
0:08:21 > 0:08:24- I was happy with what we saw again. - Yeah, it was cool.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28But this is no ordinary pregnancy.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32Kaitlyn's unborn cubs have global significance.
0:08:33 > 0:08:39In the jungles of Sumatra, tigers are a critically endangered species.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42Fewer than 500 remain in the wild.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47The main threat is poaching, for traditional medicine.
0:08:47 > 0:08:50And at the present rate of decline,
0:08:50 > 0:08:53the wild population could be wiped out within a decade.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57So, the captive population represents an insurance policy
0:08:57 > 0:08:59against extinction.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01But there is a problem.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05So, if we look at outside of Indonesia,
0:09:05 > 0:09:09if you were to look at all the Sumatran tigers in captivity...
0:09:09 > 0:09:15originally came from 13 or 14 individuals.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18There is only so many times that you can have combinations of
0:09:18 > 0:09:24breeding those individuals before you start to get incidents of inbreeding.
0:09:24 > 0:09:26But Kaitlyn is different.
0:09:26 > 0:09:32She came from a zoo in Indonesia and represents a brand-new bloodline.
0:09:32 > 0:09:35She is ranked number one in the world for captive females
0:09:35 > 0:09:36outside Sumatra.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42It means her future cubs will be royalty in the tiger world.
0:09:46 > 0:09:49But they have yet to be born.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52And it's been a long wait.
0:09:55 > 0:10:00Tigers generally have a gestation period of about 100 to 110 days.
0:10:00 > 0:10:02So, what we started doing, as of a couple of days ago,
0:10:02 > 0:10:08on about day 95, was watching her throughout the night.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11It seems to be getting harder and harder for her to get
0:10:11 > 0:10:14comfortable to lie on one side for any period of time.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17There is a certain air,
0:10:17 > 0:10:21I suppose, of feeling like you're just about like an expectant father
0:10:21 > 0:10:25again, you've got that excitement and that anticipation, you know.
0:10:25 > 0:10:30I want to know how many there are, I want to know what sex they are,
0:10:30 > 0:10:34most importantly I want to make sure that Mum is going to be OK
0:10:34 > 0:10:36and that she accepts them.
0:10:36 > 0:10:42I don't think she is as excited as what we are as handlers,
0:10:42 > 0:10:44she is taking it all very much in her stride!
0:10:44 > 0:10:47And she is probably going to be very nonchalant
0:10:47 > 0:10:50when the event happens, in comparison to us.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08It is 9am at Tiger Base and Kaitlyn's contractions have started.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10Giles speaking.
0:11:10 > 0:11:11Hey.
0:11:11 > 0:11:16Um, it's close. Really close. It's imminent.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22I'm going to go home with her, so I'll leave someone behind for her.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25- You want someone in there with you? - Mm-hm.- Right, cool, we can do that.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28OK.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31I'm here at the moment because Kaitlyn's started to show us
0:11:31 > 0:11:32signs of labour.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35If things progress for a very long time,
0:11:35 > 0:11:37if Kaitlyn shows us that she is in pain
0:11:37 > 0:11:41and she's really struggling and that she can't actually give birth
0:11:41 > 0:11:45to these cubs, then there's a chance that we might have to intervene.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48Worst-case scenario that we would have to anaesthetise her
0:11:48 > 0:11:50and do a Caesarean section.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54Giles is so concerned about the safety of Kaitlyn
0:11:54 > 0:11:56and her cubs that he is not going to leave her side.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00But he is taking a great personal risk.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04Although used to him, Kaitlyn is a powerful, fully grown tiger
0:12:04 > 0:12:07and could behave unpredictably.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09Giles has a really close relationship with Kaitlyn
0:12:09 > 0:12:14and I think he probably knows how to read her better than anybody else.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18But in a circumstance like this, she's never given birth before,
0:12:18 > 0:12:20this is all new for her,
0:12:20 > 0:12:22and instincts are going to come into play.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26We really can't predict whether she is going to get upset with him,
0:12:26 > 0:12:28or whether she will totally accept him.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30It could be a dangerous situation.
0:12:30 > 0:12:36But as the hours tick by, Kaitlyn seems to accept Giles' presence.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39I'm pretty pleased with the way that she is going
0:12:39 > 0:12:41and the way things are progressing.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44She's very happy and comfortable to have myself
0:12:44 > 0:12:46and the other handlers around, so that's a good
0:12:46 > 0:12:50indication that we might be here for when she actually gives birth.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57So, I think at the moment, this is first-stage labour,
0:12:57 > 0:12:59this could go on for quite a few hours,
0:12:59 > 0:13:03her just feeling small contractions and being a bit uncomfortable,
0:13:03 > 0:13:06a bit huffy with her breathing.
0:13:06 > 0:13:09Then, it's not until we see her do those real big efforts again
0:13:09 > 0:13:11that I think we'll call that second stage,
0:13:11 > 0:13:14then we will be keeping a close eye on the time.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17It's now four o'clock in the afternoon
0:13:17 > 0:13:21and Kaitlyn has been in labour, on and off, for the last five hours.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24We've just finished a period where there was
0:13:24 > 0:13:26a couple of hours of not really much activity.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28She's just getting to the point now where
0:13:28 > 0:13:32she is having some pretty regular and strong contractions.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36Kaitlyn is entering the advanced stages of labour.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39SHE GRUNTS
0:13:39 > 0:13:41Good girl, well done.
0:13:45 > 0:13:47Copy.
0:13:48 > 0:13:54'Copy. So, when she has a contraction, it's time to emerge.'
0:13:54 > 0:13:58- Good stuff!- Don't touch it!
0:13:59 > 0:14:03This is the amniotic sac, which means there is a cub on the way.
0:14:05 > 0:14:09A cub with the sac just burst around it. Now we can see a face.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13KAITLYN GRUNTS
0:14:18 > 0:14:20Here we go, mate.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33Come on, lick it. Lick it, lick it, lick it, lick it.
0:14:35 > 0:14:38The sensation of Kaitlyn's licking should trigger the cub's lungs
0:14:38 > 0:14:40to start working.
0:14:40 > 0:14:44- Giles, is she licking that? - Yes, she is now.- Yup, OK.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48It has gasped three times, but it's not breathing properly yet.
0:14:48 > 0:14:49'Copy, Giles.'
0:14:49 > 0:14:52Her licking it will stimulate it to breathe.
0:14:52 > 0:14:53Yeah.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55HE EXHALES
0:14:56 > 0:14:58I still feel like we should get in there and give her a hand.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02'Copy, Giles. Leave, please leave.'
0:15:02 > 0:15:03She's licking its face.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07She needs to clear whatever liquid is in the mouth.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10That is just leave her be for the moment.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13It's been two minutes, and although the cub has made some
0:15:13 > 0:15:17weak attempts, it still hasn't started breathing properly.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20It's gasping. It's not breathing.
0:15:24 > 0:15:29OK, it's breathing. One, two, three breaths. Four.
0:15:31 > 0:15:36Good girl! You did so well. She did very well. There we go.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39She knows what to do.
0:15:41 > 0:15:44CUB SQUEALS
0:15:47 > 0:15:48CHEERING
0:15:50 > 0:15:54So the cub just made its first ever noise, a little squeal-out to Mum.
0:15:54 > 0:15:57Mum looked surprised if anything.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04He's a beautiful ten-minute-old cub.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08That's incredible, isn't it? Man, my heart was in my mouth.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11That's a good girl.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13For a first-time mum she's doing an amazing job,
0:16:13 > 0:16:17and it's really hard just to sit back here and let her get on with it.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21She's starting to have contractions
0:16:21 > 0:16:25in preparation for the second one to arrive.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27There's the sac you can see coming out.
0:16:29 > 0:16:33- Well done. Good girl. - Number two!- Doing so well.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37Good girl! Well done.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39There we go.
0:16:39 > 0:16:41CHEERING
0:16:43 > 0:16:47This one's come out kicking and screaming! Good girl!
0:16:47 > 0:16:50This is absolutely amazing.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52Absolutely amazing.
0:16:52 > 0:16:54CUB SQUEALS
0:16:54 > 0:16:59It's two males. And Kaitlyn is allowing Giles to share the moment.
0:16:59 > 0:17:01One's up and about.
0:17:02 > 0:17:05You're so good. You're so amazing. Good girl.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14CUB SQUEALS
0:17:21 > 0:17:23But six hours later
0:17:23 > 0:17:26and the initial excitement has been replaced by anxiety.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32While energetic cub number two is drinking well,
0:17:32 > 0:17:35the first-born has yet to latch on to Kaitlyn for milk.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41And fearing the worst, Giles decides to intervene.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49He has no idea how Kaitlyn will react,
0:17:49 > 0:17:53so fellow handler Dave is on hand in case things go wrong.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13WHISPERS: Thanks, man.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21Both cubs are now drinking
0:18:21 > 0:18:24and the immediate danger has passed.
0:18:25 > 0:18:30I feel drained, emotional... excited...
0:18:35 > 0:18:38But the global importance of these two cubs for the future
0:18:38 > 0:18:43of their species means nothing will be left to chance.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01Next morning, and the cubs are doing well.
0:19:01 > 0:19:03There we go.
0:19:03 > 0:19:04Two little boys!
0:19:08 > 0:19:10They are a healthy 1.2 kilograms each.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19And as the days roll by,
0:19:19 > 0:19:23the cubs continue to thrive under Giles's watchful eye.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26We try and spend a little bit of time with them every day.
0:19:26 > 0:19:27It's really important,
0:19:27 > 0:19:31because from day one we've been building a bond with them.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34And the fact that they just get used to hearing my voice
0:19:34 > 0:19:38and the sensation of being touched and picked up is really good.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41His eyes are still completely closed. This is day eight, but...
0:19:41 > 0:19:44- It's usually between six and 12.- Yeah.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47Are you going to stay still for just a second?
0:19:47 > 0:19:49Wow!
0:19:49 > 0:19:52- See? They are growing. - That's 200 grams again in the day.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54That's fantastic.
0:19:54 > 0:19:55So they are only 12 days old
0:19:55 > 0:19:58and they've already doubled their birth weight.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00The stronger and bigger you get,
0:20:00 > 0:20:02the better your chance of survival in the wild.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06I just noticed that one little eye was open.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09Which is awesome. You can see me now, sort of.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11Well, you can see a shadow anyway.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13For the first couple of weeks they're not going to be able
0:20:13 > 0:20:15to focus properly.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18Like a human baby it takes a few weeks for the eyes to adjust.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24Two weeks later, the cubs are growing stronger
0:20:24 > 0:20:28and it's time for Giles to give them names.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31If you look at the two of them together,
0:20:31 > 0:20:33this little chap has more of a continuous stripe going
0:20:33 > 0:20:37along this way, whereas this one is a bit more broken, like a spot.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41So we're calling this one Spot for the time being, and this one Stripe.
0:20:41 > 0:20:45He tends to have a bit more of a feisty character than his brother.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47He's going to be a challenge, I can see already.
0:20:47 > 0:20:48CUB SCREECHES
0:20:48 > 0:20:52See what I mean about being stroppy? Aren't ya? Yeah.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54That's good, you've got spirit.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56KISS
0:20:56 > 0:20:57This is the one we are calling Spot.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01This little chap was the first one born and he was the one that,
0:21:01 > 0:21:03for the first couple of hours, we were worried about.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05He had a tougher time. Didn't you?
0:21:05 > 0:21:08He's nearly the same weight as his brother now.
0:21:08 > 0:21:13Despite their good health, life for young tigers is precarious.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17Globally, over a third of captive-born Sumatran cubs
0:21:17 > 0:21:19won't make it to adulthood.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21You need to relax, like your brother.
0:21:21 > 0:21:26Giles has made a difficult decision to safeguard the cubs' future.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29You're going to pass with flying colours, buddy.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33He's going to hand-raise them himself at home,
0:21:33 > 0:21:36so he can give them 24-hour care.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40And Mel the vet has come to check if they are healthy enough to leave.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44The heart sounds really good. Steady beat, no murmurs.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47And he's so relaxed!
0:21:47 > 0:21:51We're starting off with such robust, healthy little cubs.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53They're not too young.
0:21:53 > 0:21:57They've already got so much strength in them.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01The cubs will be vulnerable to illness
0:22:01 > 0:22:03until they are around six weeks old.
0:22:03 > 0:22:07So Giles has got to keep a close eye on them round the clock.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11There is an awful lot of pressure, you know.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13First and foremost, there is pressure
0:22:13 > 0:22:18because these guys are so important to not only us here at the zoo,
0:22:18 > 0:22:20but also to the breeding programme.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23Potentially, a lot of eyes around the world are watching
0:22:23 > 0:22:26what we're doing and making sure we do a good job.
0:22:27 > 0:22:31We'll give it a good go, eh? We'll give it a good go. You're so funny!
0:22:31 > 0:22:34Hand-raising the cubs will also prepare them
0:22:34 > 0:22:37for their future lives at the zoo.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41These guys are never going back into the wild so, for me,
0:22:41 > 0:22:43the fact that we hand-rear these guys,
0:22:43 > 0:22:46they're going to be much, much better adjusted animals
0:22:46 > 0:22:49and, ultimately, much more suitable for a life in captivity.
0:22:55 > 0:23:02At home, the family TV room has been transformed into a nursery.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04Remove the spare bed out.
0:23:07 > 0:23:12And wife Kerri is bracing herself for having tiger cubs in the house.
0:23:12 > 0:23:16Hopefully, nothing will get trashed. Maybe the walls...
0:23:16 > 0:23:20maybe chewing on the windowsill, but hopefully nothing else!
0:23:20 > 0:23:24There's things I know they are going to want to get into,
0:23:24 > 0:23:28and some things you're resigned to the fact that you're going to have
0:23:28 > 0:23:31a bit of damage, a bit of sacrificing maybe,
0:23:31 > 0:23:33and some things I'm going to keep my eye on
0:23:33 > 0:23:36and make sure they don't get into. But generally they should be OK.
0:23:36 > 0:23:41But Kerri's bigger concern is exactly who is going to
0:23:41 > 0:23:44be on call to look after the new house guests.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47How are you going to wake up in the middle of the night?
0:23:47 > 0:23:50- Either with your help or I'm going to have...- My knees and elbows?
0:23:50 > 0:23:53Yeah, that's right. Some gentle persuasion.
0:23:53 > 0:23:55"Honey, the babies need feeding!"
0:23:55 > 0:23:58Or we're going to have to set several alarms.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00He'll be OK.
0:24:00 > 0:24:02It'll be fine.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14The next morning, preparations are getting under way at the zoo.
0:24:14 > 0:24:18- We'll get her.- OK, you tell me when she's gone.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22Giles is going to be taking the cubs home today, and the handlers
0:24:22 > 0:24:26have devised a strategy to help make the move go smoothly.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29They are going to take Kaitlyn for one of her daily walks
0:24:29 > 0:24:32so she isn't there when the cubs leave.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34It might help to make the transition a lot smoother for her.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37He just wants to keep the noise away from Kaitlyn.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40The more stress we can alleviate, the better.
0:24:40 > 0:24:44Let's get you out here and then we'll talk to you when we get home, eh?
0:24:47 > 0:24:50Good boys. We'll see you at the other end.
0:24:53 > 0:24:57The cubs will eventually see Kaitlyn and the other tigers again
0:24:57 > 0:25:00after they return to the zoo in a few months.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06I won't lie, there is
0:25:06 > 0:25:11a twinge of sadness after seeing just how dedicated Kaitlyn is.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14And obviously she's going to come back off her walk
0:25:14 > 0:25:20and have to come to the realisation that her cubs are no longer there.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22But then she'll get on with life,
0:25:22 > 0:25:24and that's exactly what they would do in the wild.
0:25:24 > 0:25:29Cubs being killed or taken by other predators happens all the time,
0:25:29 > 0:25:32and they are incredibly good at adapting
0:25:32 > 0:25:34and getting on with it quickly.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38It starts here. The cubs are doing really, really well.
0:25:38 > 0:25:39They are fit, strong, healthy.
0:25:39 > 0:25:43You can see little glimmers of their personalities start
0:25:43 > 0:25:46to shine through in the last few days. It's going to be good fun.
0:25:46 > 0:25:49It's going to be hard work. I think it's worth it.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57Giles's children are still at school,
0:25:57 > 0:26:00giving him a chance to settle the cubs in.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03To help that process, he's made them a den-like enclosure
0:26:03 > 0:26:06and brought home something with Kaitlyn's scent on.
0:26:06 > 0:26:12I'm just going to put some of this straw...into the box...
0:26:13 > 0:26:17Again, just so they've got a bit of familiarity,
0:26:17 > 0:26:19with the sensation and the smell. CUB SCREECHES
0:26:19 > 0:26:20It's OK!
0:26:20 > 0:26:23There are two excited members of the family
0:26:23 > 0:26:26who won't be meeting the cubs just yet.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28BARKING
0:26:28 > 0:26:32I think Ruby and Caesar know you're here now!
0:26:32 > 0:26:34There we go.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37OK, little guys. You hang out in there for a while.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40You're off. You're so mobile.
0:26:41 > 0:26:42It's OK, boys.
0:26:44 > 0:26:49Lodger and zoo volunteer Joe has been eagerly awaiting their arrival.
0:26:51 > 0:26:54Last night I was like a little kid waiting for Christmas.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57It was like Christmas Eve and I wanted to go to sleep
0:26:57 > 0:27:01so today came quicker, but I was too excited so I couldn't sleep.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05Literally like a little child.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08Such a boy! They look very comfortable.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11It's good that they're happy in terms of, you know,
0:27:11 > 0:27:14they're fast asleep, they're not stressed.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16HE LAUGHS
0:27:16 > 0:27:20With the cubs settling in, the real work is about to begin.
0:27:20 > 0:27:21OK.
0:27:28 > 0:27:33I've also got a bag of formula and it's as close as it could
0:27:33 > 0:27:36possibly get to Mum's milk without actually milking Mum.
0:27:36 > 0:27:38It's a huge moment for me.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42This is the first batch of what will be hundreds of litres
0:27:42 > 0:27:45of milk that we'll make up over the next six months or so.
0:27:45 > 0:27:51This is an actual purpose-made milk replacement formula for tiger cubs.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55It's very high in fat content, but it also has pretty much everything
0:27:55 > 0:27:58else that they need in this crucial part of their development.
0:27:58 > 0:28:01All those different trace elements and vitamins.
0:28:01 > 0:28:07You've got no idea as to how much, either in length of time or quantity,
0:28:07 > 0:28:12that she is feeding them, because they fall asleep on her all the time.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15So it might look like they're suckling for two hours,
0:28:15 > 0:28:18but the majority of the time they're fast asleep
0:28:18 > 0:28:21and they've either fallen off the teat or they're not even suckling.
0:28:21 > 0:28:25- What do you reckon it tastes like? - I've tasted it before but it's very bland.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33- No, you can't drink any. - It doesn't taste very nice. - GILES LAUGHS
0:28:33 > 0:28:36Giles is going to be feeding the cubs on demand,
0:28:36 > 0:28:40but he has no idea if the cubs will take to the formula milk.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47Let's get started. I'm pretty excited.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52He's going to try easy-going Spot first.
0:28:52 > 0:28:53Good boy.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58How're you feeling?
0:28:58 > 0:29:02Obviously, this is the absolute first time they've ever experienced...
0:29:02 > 0:29:05the bottle, the teat or anything,
0:29:05 > 0:29:11so I'm not expecting them to be over-interested in it.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15Here we go. Good boy. Come on.
0:29:15 > 0:29:20Eh? There we go. It doesn't taste like Mum, does it?
0:29:29 > 0:29:32It's not too bad, is it, buddy?
0:29:32 > 0:29:33Not too bad.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38Spot has barely touched the milk,
0:29:38 > 0:29:42and highly strung second-born Stripe is even less keen.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44HISSING
0:29:44 > 0:29:45Goodness!
0:29:46 > 0:29:48HISSING
0:29:52 > 0:29:53No?
0:29:57 > 0:30:04They're still really just getting used to having us around.
0:30:04 > 0:30:06Not quite ready, are you?
0:30:06 > 0:30:09Tonight is going to be a long night. But that's fine.
0:30:09 > 0:30:10That's totally what I was expecting.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14We're going to let you rest and we'll come back.
0:30:18 > 0:30:23Back at the zoo, handlers Dave and Geoff have been monitoring Kaitlyn.
0:30:25 > 0:30:27When we took the cubs, we thought maybe she'd show
0:30:27 > 0:30:31a bit of anxiety and want to know where they are.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35At the moment she just seems more interested in just hanging out and
0:30:35 > 0:30:39maybe going for a walk and enjoying the company of the handlers and...
0:30:39 > 0:30:43It'll be good to see how she goes on the next few days, but it's definitely a good sign.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46Obviously, the happier she is, the happier we are as well.
0:30:46 > 0:30:50For anxious Giles, it's reassuring news.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53OK, thanks, buddy. OK, see you.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57It's such a relief. It's certainly a very good first step.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00It's not just about the species or about conservation.
0:31:00 > 0:31:04Those individual tigers matter and their individual welfare
0:31:04 > 0:31:05and their needs.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08And she's definitely fairly settled, fairly happy,
0:31:08 > 0:31:09so it's looking really good.
0:31:09 > 0:31:14It's 4pm and eight-year-old Kynan has rushed home from school
0:31:14 > 0:31:16to meet the new house guests.
0:31:16 > 0:31:17- Hello!- Hello!
0:31:17 > 0:31:20- Awwwww!- Oh, how cute!
0:31:22 > 0:31:24Aren't they cute?
0:31:26 > 0:31:31It's love at first sight, too, for Kerri and daughter Alicia.
0:31:31 > 0:31:34She didn't want any more brothers or sisters
0:31:34 > 0:31:36- but these ones are different. - GILES LAUGHS
0:31:38 > 0:31:40This one here is Spot.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46Spot was the first one born and was smaller at first,
0:31:46 > 0:31:49but now, believe it or not, he's bigger.
0:31:51 > 0:31:52He's cute.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57- Come on, play with me.- No! THEY LAUGH
0:31:57 > 0:32:02We are going to put him back, OK, guys? Because I want them to rest.
0:32:02 > 0:32:05Because the most important thing for the next two days
0:32:05 > 0:32:07is that I can get him on the bottle.
0:32:07 > 0:32:10And once they are feeding, you can have all the cuddles
0:32:10 > 0:32:13and strokes and patting and photos you want.
0:32:13 > 0:32:15Although he looks very happy.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18I'm giving him a head massage.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23There we go.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26It's a bit surreal, actually, to have them back here
0:32:26 > 0:32:30and to think that we are right at the start of this amazing
0:32:30 > 0:32:34next couple of months in the process of watching them grow
0:32:34 > 0:32:37and having them at home and being part of the family.
0:32:37 > 0:32:39It's exciting.
0:32:39 > 0:32:44It's 8pm and Kynan has found a replacement for the TV.
0:32:45 > 0:32:50What are you doing? Don't keep waking them up.
0:32:50 > 0:32:52He's going to sit and watch them.
0:32:52 > 0:32:57I don't mind if you want to watch them, just don't wake them, OK?
0:32:57 > 0:32:58You're very cute.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04But it's been six hours since their last milk from Kaitlyn,
0:33:04 > 0:33:08and if the cubs don't feed soon they could dehydrate.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11They might be getting a little hungry now, which would be good.
0:33:11 > 0:33:15So Giles is going to try dream-feeding the cubs,
0:33:15 > 0:33:18giving them milk whilst they are still asleep.
0:33:18 > 0:33:19Don't wake up.
0:33:31 > 0:33:33You guys are going to be hard work, aren't you?
0:33:35 > 0:33:38I thought it was going to go so smoothly.
0:33:38 > 0:33:40Steady...
0:33:40 > 0:33:42Steady...
0:33:42 > 0:33:44But suddenly they get the idea.
0:33:45 > 0:33:49Good boy! There we go. Good boy.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52OK, have a break, have a break.
0:33:52 > 0:33:53Wow!
0:33:53 > 0:33:55I'm sweating!
0:33:55 > 0:33:57That's awesome.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00I didn't expect it so quick, so that's amazing, the fact
0:34:00 > 0:34:04that we've already got our first feed into them only six hours in.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07That's a really good start. That's a really good first step.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14And once the cubs start drinking...
0:34:15 > 0:34:17..there's no stopping them,
0:34:17 > 0:34:22which is proving a little tiring for tiger daddy Giles.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27They're feeding several times a day.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29Ten past two.
0:34:29 > 0:34:33Guzzling down over half a litre each daily.
0:34:33 > 0:34:36- Are we going to feed them? - Mm-hm.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42But luckily for him, this has become a family operation.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45- Awwww!- Aw, rub it for good luck.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47Not that Kerri seems to mind.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50"Oh, my belly is so gorgeous. Rub it."
0:34:52 > 0:34:54Let's leave them to it.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56LOUD SNORING
0:34:57 > 0:35:00KERRI LAUGHS
0:35:00 > 0:35:03Mr Mum! Now he knows what it feels like to be a mum.
0:35:05 > 0:35:07After ten years of marriage,
0:35:07 > 0:35:10Kerri's got used to having tigers in their lives.
0:35:13 > 0:35:15- Hello.- Hello.
0:35:15 > 0:35:21Uh...life with tigers is a little bit different - living with the Tigerman.
0:35:21 > 0:35:25It's good. Kinda feels a bit surreal at the same time.
0:35:25 > 0:35:29You sorta think...it's normal, but it's not.
0:35:29 > 0:35:31- LAUGHING:- Not for anyone.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33I run a zoo, so I don't need to work at one.
0:35:33 > 0:35:34My house is a zoo.
0:35:34 > 0:35:36SHE LAUGHS
0:35:43 > 0:35:47Giles' parenting duties go beyond simply feeding the cubs.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49They need his help at the other end, too.
0:35:52 > 0:35:55- What we're going to do now... - Is poo them.- Yes, poo them.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59- Is he the naughty one? - They're both being a bit naughty.
0:35:59 > 0:36:02Kerri's helping, but Giles is at the business end.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06What would happen is Mum would normally come along and lick them...
0:36:08 > 0:36:11..and that makes them go to the toilet.
0:36:11 > 0:36:13Yeah, she licks them on the bottom.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16- Phew! Big pop-off.- Oh! Phew...!
0:36:19 > 0:36:20It's like milking a cow.
0:36:20 > 0:36:23- Oh...reckon we've got half a litre...- Slipping...
0:36:23 > 0:36:27Ah, hang on, let's see if we can get a poo going, please.
0:36:27 > 0:36:28- Oh...- Oh!
0:36:31 > 0:36:33- It's always very...- Runny.- Runny.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35Cos all he drinks is milk.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39- More weeing. - What is it with you and the weeing?
0:36:39 > 0:36:40KERRI LAUGHS
0:36:44 > 0:36:48The cubs are barely three weeks old, but they're already showing
0:36:48 > 0:36:51a marked difference when it comes to being handled.
0:36:51 > 0:36:52Yeah, this is awesome!
0:36:52 > 0:36:56First-born Spot was held by Giles to latch on to Kaitlyn
0:36:56 > 0:36:57when he was just hours old
0:36:57 > 0:37:02and since then has reacted well to his touch.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04Once you start being tactile with him, he responds really well,
0:37:04 > 0:37:07like here, look, he's...
0:37:07 > 0:37:10He's lying on his back, got his little belly in the air.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14Yeah, Stripe's...Stripe's a little bit more aloof.
0:37:15 > 0:37:16Ooh...
0:37:26 > 0:37:29The cubs are now a month old.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32It's now almost two weeks since Giles brought them home
0:37:32 > 0:37:33and, like any new parent,
0:37:33 > 0:37:37he's starting to get a bit ragged around the edges.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41I'm starting to feel a bit sleep-deprived, um, and...
0:37:41 > 0:37:45sort of running on my spare cylinder at the moment.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47But it's a small sacrifice to pay, really,
0:37:47 > 0:37:50to make sure things go well, you know?
0:37:50 > 0:37:54Like, I'm so pleased with the way they've been progressing,
0:37:54 > 0:37:56how easy it was to get them on the bottle.
0:37:56 > 0:38:00There's been no dramas, no-one's...you know,
0:38:00 > 0:38:03got the runs because of the formula or anything like that, so...
0:38:03 > 0:38:06I think today's going to be a good day.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08It's going to be another slog, though,
0:38:08 > 0:38:13because he and the cubs have got to go back to the zoo for the day.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19Spot and Stripe are having their first vaccinations,
0:38:19 > 0:38:21to boost their immunity.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25They've been away from Mum for a couple of weeks,
0:38:25 > 0:38:28so they're not getting any of those antibodies coming through
0:38:28 > 0:38:29the milk any more.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31So that means we need to vaccinate them.
0:38:31 > 0:38:36It's exactly what you would do with a domestic cat or domestic kitten.
0:38:36 > 0:38:38And effectively, they won't even feel it, the needle's so small.
0:38:38 > 0:38:40All right...
0:38:40 > 0:38:44- Oh, oh...- All done! - CUB SQUEALS
0:38:44 > 0:38:45- Oh-ho-ho!- Give him a rub.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49Basically, we're asking the immune system to have a big reaction to this,
0:38:49 > 0:38:52- so it can take it out of them a little bit, but...- Yeah.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54..hopefully not too much.
0:38:54 > 0:38:58So they'll be in tiger daycare, in the capable hands of Jeff.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01OK, guys, have a little sleep, now.
0:39:01 > 0:39:02That's a good idea.
0:39:07 > 0:39:11Next door, there's ten adult tigers to look after.
0:39:21 > 0:39:25Many take part in the zoo's daily tiger show.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28Here we go!
0:39:28 > 0:39:30Whoo! That deserves a round of applause.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33APPLAUSE AND CHEERING
0:39:35 > 0:39:39The tiger team aren't shy about using it as an opportunity
0:39:39 > 0:39:42to engage the public with saving wild tigers in Sumatra.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48Though, with so many other causes vying for attention,
0:39:48 > 0:39:49it's not always easy.
0:39:50 > 0:39:52But the stakes couldn't be higher.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57It's not just saving the Sumatran tiger.
0:39:57 > 0:39:59It's what they represent to me as well,
0:39:59 > 0:40:03because if we can't save something as magnificent and as charismatic
0:40:03 > 0:40:05and as popular as the tiger,
0:40:05 > 0:40:09how do all those other endangered species even share half a chance?
0:40:11 > 0:40:14Giles is hoping that the cubs will be a powerful new force
0:40:14 > 0:40:18in the ongoing struggle to save their species.
0:40:20 > 0:40:23The most important aspect, from my perspective,
0:40:23 > 0:40:27is that we've got these amazing, tiny little beings at the moment,
0:40:27 > 0:40:30but they're going to be such an amazing draw card to the zoo,
0:40:30 > 0:40:33which is then going to have the on-flow benefit of the fact
0:40:33 > 0:40:38that we can get the message out there about how endangered they are.
0:40:38 > 0:40:41Giles has an appointment with marketing manager Emma
0:40:41 > 0:40:43to see what she's come up with.
0:40:43 > 0:40:47- Hey, how you going? - Good, how are you?- Yeah, good.
0:40:47 > 0:40:50So, this is what the creative looks like at the moment,
0:40:50 > 0:40:53from "Our Cubs Are Coming!" point of view.
0:40:53 > 0:40:56We've done whole-page takeovers on digital campaigns.
0:40:56 > 0:41:01So, the third element of the campaign is all about conservation.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04I think we can build a pretty strong conservation campaign.
0:41:04 > 0:41:08- The reason we're doing all that is because of this.- Absolutely.
0:41:08 > 0:41:10It's important to be realistic and say,
0:41:10 > 0:41:12"By the time it's 2020, tigers could be extinct,
0:41:12 > 0:41:14"so by the time your kids grow up,
0:41:14 > 0:41:16"they may never see a tiger in the wild."
0:41:16 > 0:41:18..tiger cub, so when we're shooting that TVC,
0:41:18 > 0:41:20we'll need a photographer there...
0:41:20 > 0:41:23Emma's plan is to raise awareness of their plight
0:41:23 > 0:41:26with a big media launch.
0:41:26 > 0:41:31- I did set up a national television opportunity with the Today show on Channel- 9. Yeah, yeah.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34So Stevie Jacobs is going to be around on that day,
0:41:34 > 0:41:37so...could he hold the cub?
0:41:37 > 0:41:41He could be there. I wouldn't let him feed, but he could be there
0:41:41 > 0:41:45with myself or a handler, we could be talking about a feed or whatever.
0:41:45 > 0:41:48- How are you feeling? - Exhausted. I really am.
0:41:48 > 0:41:52Like, four hours' sleep last night, four the night before,
0:41:52 > 0:41:54three the night before that...
0:41:54 > 0:41:56- Yeah.- I'm going to go home and sleep, soon.
0:41:56 > 0:41:59- Thanks, Giles.- See you soon.
0:41:59 > 0:42:03Giles looks pretty tired. It's the most exhausted I've ever seen him
0:42:03 > 0:42:05and he is actually one of the hardest workers
0:42:05 > 0:42:07I know on the planet.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09That's a big load on his shoulders
0:42:09 > 0:42:12and it's a really important mission for him in his life,
0:42:12 > 0:42:13so this means a lot to him.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21Despite the pressure, for Giles, back home with the cubs,
0:42:21 > 0:42:23there's no doubt that it's worth it.
0:42:24 > 0:42:25CUB SNUFFLES
0:42:25 > 0:42:27Yeah, we hear ya.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29This is the calmest he's been for a while, eh?
0:42:32 > 0:42:35I can't imagine...not, you know...
0:42:36 > 0:42:39..having a world without tigers in the wild.
0:42:40 > 0:42:42To me, it has got to work.
0:42:43 > 0:42:47God forbid if it ever does happen and tigers do become extinct in the wild,
0:42:47 > 0:42:51I certainly want to be able to put my head on the pillow at night
0:42:51 > 0:42:55and think to myself, "Well, you know, I did everything I could,
0:42:55 > 0:42:57"I gave it my best shot."
0:42:57 > 0:43:00You know...wouldn't be able to live with myself
0:43:00 > 0:43:02unless I thought I'd done everything I could.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08OK, you are super relaxed, aren't you? That's just ridiculous.
0:43:15 > 0:43:16It's 10am,
0:43:16 > 0:43:19and while it's an ordinary day at the zoo for the adult tigers,
0:43:19 > 0:43:23things have taken a turn for the worse with Spot and Stripe.
0:43:25 > 0:43:27Overnight they've fallen ill.
0:43:27 > 0:43:29Giles has rushed them in to see Mel,
0:43:29 > 0:43:31but in the last hour they've deteriorated.
0:43:31 > 0:43:32CUB RETCHES
0:43:35 > 0:43:37OK, OK, OK...
0:43:37 > 0:43:38Oh.
0:43:43 > 0:43:44CUB RETCHES
0:43:46 > 0:43:47Oh, dear.
0:43:57 > 0:43:59They're both sick.
0:43:59 > 0:44:01And I don't know why.
0:44:04 > 0:44:07They were just being normal...
0:44:07 > 0:44:10and then Spot was sick,
0:44:10 > 0:44:15and now Stripe has got exactly the same.
0:44:15 > 0:44:17I'm thinking of every...
0:44:17 > 0:44:22situation, scenario that in the last 24 hours...
0:44:23 > 0:44:25I feel responsible.
0:44:25 > 0:44:30It's something that I've done or not done, or not overseen properly,
0:44:30 > 0:44:36that is causing them to be sick, and that makes me feel gutted.
0:44:37 > 0:44:41My fear is that ultimately whatever it is could lead to them...
0:44:43 > 0:44:46..becoming much, much worse, and then, you know,
0:44:46 > 0:44:48the consequences of that could be dire.
0:45:02 > 0:45:05Just looking at that colour. It's still nice and pink.
0:45:05 > 0:45:07All right, buddy.
0:45:07 > 0:45:10Their hydration's still fine.
0:45:10 > 0:45:14That's the most important thing for a young animal at the moment.
0:45:16 > 0:45:17CUB RETCHES
0:45:17 > 0:45:19Oh, poor buddy.
0:45:20 > 0:45:21Is that just more bile?
0:45:21 > 0:45:24- No, nothing came up.- Nothing.
0:45:24 > 0:45:26CUB RETCHES
0:45:26 > 0:45:28They don't sound very good, do they, even?
0:45:28 > 0:45:29No, it sounds horrible.
0:45:31 > 0:45:32So, what do you think, Mel?
0:45:32 > 0:45:34Some sort of infection, or something?
0:45:34 > 0:45:37I reckon the vaccine's probably pushed them over the edge
0:45:37 > 0:45:38a little bit.
0:45:38 > 0:45:40And something that they otherwise would have coped with
0:45:40 > 0:45:43- has just been a bit too much to handle...- Yeah.
0:45:43 > 0:45:44..on their bodies.
0:45:48 > 0:45:50If you're happy with their hydration, which I am,
0:45:50 > 0:45:52- that's - miss a feed. - Yeah, I think miss a feed.
0:45:52 > 0:45:55- And see what they're doing at lunchtime.- Yeah.
0:45:55 > 0:46:00If they start vomiting more and losing a lot of fluid,
0:46:00 > 0:46:04then young animals can get dehydrated more quickly.
0:46:04 > 0:46:07Worst-case scenario, if they start getting a bit -
0:46:07 > 0:46:10tenting in their skin, or their gums feel a bit dry,
0:46:10 > 0:46:12we can give them sub-cut fluids.
0:46:12 > 0:46:14I'm hoping we don't need to go down that path.
0:46:16 > 0:46:21I'm not even worried about the programme, or...
0:46:22 > 0:46:26The species is, you know... so important,
0:46:26 > 0:46:29but all I care about at the moment is these two as individuals, you know?
0:46:29 > 0:46:31It doesn't matter how...
0:46:31 > 0:46:34what position they were ranked or anything else, there.
0:46:48 > 0:46:49All right, buddy.
0:46:51 > 0:46:53All Giles can do is stay at their side
0:46:53 > 0:46:55and hope that they come through it.
0:47:07 > 0:47:11Two hours later and the cubs have finally stopped vomiting.
0:47:18 > 0:47:19Hey, you little munchkin!
0:47:19 > 0:47:21"I don't feel well."
0:47:23 > 0:47:25They come looking for the affection.
0:47:25 > 0:47:26It's the same with our adults, you know?
0:47:26 > 0:47:30They're very affectionate animals, and they love the attention.
0:47:30 > 0:47:34You can see these two, at times, seem to be comforted by it.
0:47:34 > 0:47:37When they see that you're in here, and they come next to you,
0:47:37 > 0:47:39and you can tell, when you stroke them in certain spots,
0:47:39 > 0:47:43their eyes close and they look like they're enjoying it.
0:47:50 > 0:47:53It's the end of the afternoon, and the cubs have stabilised.
0:47:55 > 0:47:56But it's now been 12 hours
0:47:56 > 0:47:59since Spot and Stripe last took any fluids.
0:47:59 > 0:48:02Time to try them on a little milk.
0:48:02 > 0:48:04So, I've got 50ml in the bottle.
0:48:04 > 0:48:07I have no intention of giving them the 50ml, I've just done that
0:48:07 > 0:48:10so I can cover myself, they don't suck much air.
0:48:17 > 0:48:19Dude, dude, dude!
0:48:21 > 0:48:24I know you're hungry, but that is ridiculous.
0:48:24 > 0:48:26HE LAUGHS
0:48:26 > 0:48:29OK...
0:48:30 > 0:48:31Oh, goodness me.
0:48:34 > 0:48:36CUB SCREECHES
0:48:36 > 0:48:39Dude, don't worry about telling me off, just suck your bottle.
0:48:39 > 0:48:41OK, everyone needs to take a breather.
0:48:41 > 0:48:43CUB SCREECHES
0:48:48 > 0:48:50Dude, I don't want to start this again.
0:48:50 > 0:48:52Good boy.
0:48:52 > 0:48:53Easy, easy.
0:48:53 > 0:48:54Easy!
0:48:54 > 0:48:59I think they're feeling on top of the world! That was very intense.
0:48:59 > 0:49:00Good boy.
0:49:00 > 0:49:02Good boy. OK.
0:49:04 > 0:49:05This one here's Stripe.
0:49:05 > 0:49:11He's actually being remarkably more behaved than his brother Spot.
0:49:11 > 0:49:14Spot nearly took my hand off.
0:49:14 > 0:49:16OK, that's all you're getting, dude. Goodness!
0:49:19 > 0:49:22Thought I'd never be so happy to see someone possessive.
0:49:24 > 0:49:27Without jumping the gun or tempting fate,
0:49:27 > 0:49:32I definitely feel that we're out of the woods now.
0:49:32 > 0:49:33You can see just... CUB MEWS
0:49:33 > 0:49:35Rowr!
0:49:35 > 0:49:40..how enthusiastic they are for some food.
0:49:40 > 0:49:42I'm just elated, is the only way I can describe it.
0:49:42 > 0:49:45Like - they're like different cubs, aren't they?
0:49:45 > 0:49:47In comparison to six hours ago.
0:49:47 > 0:49:49I just felt desperate, you know?
0:49:50 > 0:49:51See how they are now.
0:49:53 > 0:49:56The little boys. Little boys!
0:49:58 > 0:50:00Good boys.
0:50:00 > 0:50:01Pretty happy now.
0:50:11 > 0:50:12Two days later
0:50:12 > 0:50:15and Giles is able to bring them home again for the first time,
0:50:15 > 0:50:17with a little help from son Kynan.
0:50:17 > 0:50:19Hello, Spot.
0:50:19 > 0:50:20Come on, we can get...
0:50:21 > 0:50:24SPOT SQUEALS Hang on!
0:50:28 > 0:50:30Dad, I think Spot's hungry.
0:50:30 > 0:50:32- You think he's hungry?- Yeah.
0:50:32 > 0:50:34Well, he is, cos he's trying to suck on that ring.
0:50:34 > 0:50:36He might be teething.
0:50:36 > 0:50:39They like to chew on things - like any baby,
0:50:39 > 0:50:41when their teeth start coming through.
0:50:41 > 0:50:43You can't put it into words, you know,
0:50:43 > 0:50:49considering 48 hours ago how sick I thought they were, and, you know...
0:50:50 > 0:50:51Oi! Don't start doing that.
0:50:51 > 0:50:53CLAWS SCRATCH
0:50:53 > 0:50:56CUB SQUEALS
0:50:56 > 0:50:58THEY CHUCKLE
0:50:58 > 0:51:00And, since they recovered,
0:51:00 > 0:51:02their appetite has returned with a vengeance.
0:51:03 > 0:51:08Like, even when I've had them fast asleep, and you just pop a bottle
0:51:08 > 0:51:12into one of their mouths, and the other one hears the slurping noise
0:51:12 > 0:51:14and wakes up, and he's like, "Where is it, where is it?
0:51:14 > 0:51:16"I know I'm missing out."
0:51:16 > 0:51:20We already had one or two little hissy fits,
0:51:20 > 0:51:23when it comes to potentially sharing, so...
0:51:23 > 0:51:26Ahh, my God, that's so cute!
0:51:26 > 0:51:30Yeah, it doesn't look like they could hurt a fly, eh?
0:51:30 > 0:51:34They definitely know, A, our voices, but B, they're very vocal.
0:51:34 > 0:51:37They let you know when they're not happy. Don't you?
0:51:37 > 0:51:38Fu-fouff! Fu-fu-fouff.
0:51:38 > 0:51:40Don't you?
0:51:46 > 0:51:47Very happy, aren't they?
0:51:50 > 0:51:54Over the next week, Spot and Stripe go from strength to strength.
0:51:54 > 0:51:55Eurgh...
0:51:55 > 0:51:56CUB FARTS
0:51:56 > 0:51:58BOTH: Eurgh!
0:51:58 > 0:52:01Now a hefty 6kg each in weight,
0:52:01 > 0:52:05in the wild they'd be starting to explore the outside world.
0:52:05 > 0:52:07At the moment, they're not even five weeks of age,
0:52:07 > 0:52:11and you can see just how rapidly they're growing,
0:52:11 > 0:52:14but how much more they're engaging with the environment around them.
0:52:14 > 0:52:16They're starting to chew on everything
0:52:16 > 0:52:18that they can possibly get in their mouths.
0:52:18 > 0:52:19Including us! KYNAN GIGGLES
0:52:19 > 0:52:21What's he doing?
0:52:21 > 0:52:22Sucking your belly fat?
0:52:24 > 0:52:27It's not just their mouths that are developing.
0:52:27 > 0:52:30They're really following things with their eyes now -
0:52:30 > 0:52:34like, their eyesight is obviously getting better and better every day.
0:52:36 > 0:52:39Not going to be quite so cute in a couple of months' time, though.
0:52:39 > 0:52:40They're growing fast.
0:52:40 > 0:52:43And they're going to get naughty.
0:52:43 > 0:52:44CUB SQUEALS
0:52:44 > 0:52:49A week later, and their immune systems are healthy and robust.
0:52:49 > 0:52:51Now six weeks old,
0:52:51 > 0:52:54the cubs have reached a milestone in their development.
0:52:54 > 0:52:55Look at these. You ready?
0:52:57 > 0:52:58KYNAN LAUGHS
0:52:58 > 0:53:00Look at those canine teeth.
0:53:00 > 0:53:02- Oh, damn!- Oh, damn!
0:53:02 > 0:53:05- I think they're going to hurt now, aren't they?- Yeah.
0:53:05 > 0:53:06Look at the size of them.
0:53:06 > 0:53:08- That's just the very top.- Ahh...
0:53:08 > 0:53:11And they're going to get much bigger.
0:53:11 > 0:53:13The cubs are getting their milk teeth,
0:53:13 > 0:53:17and in a few weeks' time they'll have all 28.
0:53:17 > 0:53:21These needle-sharp teeth add a whole new dimension to their play.
0:53:21 > 0:53:23What we've got to be mindful of now,
0:53:23 > 0:53:26and you've got to start to be careful of,
0:53:26 > 0:53:29is that they start to bite and really chew things now.
0:53:29 > 0:53:31But sometimes they get possessive,
0:53:31 > 0:53:35and that means that he's going to want to keep whatever it is.
0:53:35 > 0:53:37Then he starts grunting, he'll go... HE GRUNTS
0:53:37 > 0:53:40You know, and he wants to tell me off, cos he thinks it's his,
0:53:40 > 0:53:44and his ears start to go flat, and he uses his paws,
0:53:44 > 0:53:46and he's holding on as tight as he can,
0:53:46 > 0:53:49and that means he's starting to just get a little bit naughty,
0:53:49 > 0:53:53a little bit cheeky, like he thinks it belongs to him -
0:53:53 > 0:53:55when clearly it's attached to my hand.
0:53:55 > 0:53:57And it's actually mine.
0:53:57 > 0:53:59So, we need to be careful.
0:53:59 > 0:54:00When he starts to do it,
0:54:00 > 0:54:03you need to come, you need to tell Daddy straightaway,
0:54:03 > 0:54:06- because at the end of the day, they are still tigers.- Mm.
0:54:06 > 0:54:08They're not like a cat or a dog.
0:54:12 > 0:54:15But the arrival of new teeth means teething pains...
0:54:15 > 0:54:17CUB SCREECHES
0:54:17 > 0:54:19CUB SQUEALS
0:54:23 > 0:54:25..and a lot of complaining.
0:54:25 > 0:54:27Mostly to Giles.
0:54:27 > 0:54:28OK.
0:54:29 > 0:54:31SCREECHING CONTINUES
0:54:33 > 0:54:34CUB SCREECHES
0:54:34 > 0:54:36Boys!
0:54:36 > 0:54:37Shh!
0:54:37 > 0:54:39It's like the terrible twos.
0:54:41 > 0:54:42It's giving me a headache.
0:54:44 > 0:54:45SCREECHING CONTINUES
0:54:45 > 0:54:47Boys, enough!
0:54:47 > 0:54:50He tries making a "chuffing" noise at them,
0:54:50 > 0:54:51as he knows their mother would.
0:54:53 > 0:54:54But it doesn't help.
0:54:56 > 0:54:59I'm going to turn the music on and drown you out.
0:54:59 > 0:55:00SCREECHING CONTINUES
0:55:02 > 0:55:04The tantrums couldn't come at a worse time.
0:55:04 > 0:55:07It's the live national TV spot today,
0:55:07 > 0:55:09and Giles' first chance
0:55:09 > 0:55:11to get the public to fall in love with the cubs.
0:55:11 > 0:55:13SCREECHING CONTINUES
0:55:15 > 0:55:17..so, a little bit grey today,
0:55:17 > 0:55:20a few showers about, but they should clear...
0:55:20 > 0:55:24But right now, even Giles is finding it hard to love them.
0:55:24 > 0:55:26About to explode.
0:55:28 > 0:55:31SQUEALING Hang on!
0:55:31 > 0:55:34They were so naughty this morning, they just wanted to play
0:55:34 > 0:55:39and fight, and it'll just be the first time we've exposed them
0:55:39 > 0:55:43to the public and the media, so this is quite a big thing for the zoo.
0:55:43 > 0:55:46Certainly a big thing for the cubs.
0:55:46 > 0:55:49I'm trying to meet everyone's wants and needs,
0:55:49 > 0:55:51but most importantly I've got to try and make sure
0:55:51 > 0:55:54that I keep things calm and stable for the cubs.
0:55:55 > 0:55:59Giles has learnt a few tricks over the last six weeks.
0:55:59 > 0:56:01(Hey, boys.)
0:56:01 > 0:56:04There. How's my boys?
0:56:04 > 0:56:08And the best trick is that milk and a cuddle calms everything down.
0:56:08 > 0:56:10I know.
0:56:10 > 0:56:11Good boy.
0:56:14 > 0:56:16Mm, good boy.
0:56:16 > 0:56:18OK, we're about 90 seconds.
0:56:18 > 0:56:20And just in time, too.
0:56:20 > 0:56:22- Thanks.- We're about to go on air.
0:56:22 > 0:56:24It's the cubs' big moment
0:56:24 > 0:56:28and Giles' chance to push the crucial conservation message home.
0:56:28 > 0:56:32We've got a very special moment here, we've got the tiger cubs
0:56:32 > 0:56:35that were born on the 22nd of August here in Australia Zoo.
0:56:35 > 0:56:39These are the most beautiful things I have ever seen.
0:56:39 > 0:56:43Giles here has been hand-raising them over the past five weeks.
0:56:43 > 0:56:45He was actually present at the birth.
0:56:45 > 0:56:47Mate, you must have the best job in the world.
0:56:47 > 0:56:50Oh, it's incredible. I couldn't dream of doing anything else now.
0:56:50 > 0:56:52So, these guys are critically endangered as a species.
0:56:52 > 0:56:54What will happen to them when they get a little bit older?
0:56:54 > 0:56:57They'll obviously become part of the breeding programme.
0:56:57 > 0:57:00Oh, well, this is where I have to swallow the big lump in my throat,
0:57:00 > 0:57:03and the fact that these guys are probably eventually going to go off
0:57:03 > 0:57:08to other institutes around Australia to be part of the breeding programme.
0:57:08 > 0:57:10- Giles, thank you very much. - Oh, my pleasure.
0:57:10 > 0:57:12Really, really happy to be here
0:57:12 > 0:57:15and have our first look as the tiger cubs come out and play.
0:57:15 > 0:57:18Karl and Lisa live on the Today show at Australia Zoo.
0:57:18 > 0:57:20Hooray! Thanks, guys.
0:57:20 > 0:57:21LAUGHTER
0:57:23 > 0:57:25They've been perfect. They've been really, really good.
0:57:25 > 0:57:29They're really happy, you know, they're clearly very inquisitive
0:57:29 > 0:57:33and enjoying their new surroundings, so it's gone really, really well.
0:57:33 > 0:57:36I never feel like I say enough on those things, but...
0:57:36 > 0:57:37the main reason
0:57:37 > 0:57:40or the only reason they're in captivity is to generate support
0:57:40 > 0:57:42for conservation efforts,
0:57:42 > 0:57:45and there's no point doing any of this type of stuff
0:57:45 > 0:57:48unless, you know, we really focus on that.
0:57:48 > 0:57:50I want to drive the conservation message home.
0:57:50 > 0:57:52But anyway, we'll get there.
0:57:54 > 0:58:00It's been a intense couple of months for Spot, Stripe and Giles,
0:58:00 > 0:58:03but the journey's only just beginning.
0:58:07 > 0:58:08Next time...
0:58:08 > 0:58:11the cubs have toddler tantrums...
0:58:11 > 0:58:13Boom!
0:58:13 > 0:58:14Ow, that was my leg!
0:58:16 > 0:58:17..and learn to stalk...
0:58:17 > 0:58:19No!
0:58:19 > 0:58:22Caesar will bite you!
0:58:22 > 0:58:26..while Giles is confronted by the horrors of tiger poaching
0:58:26 > 0:58:27in Sumatra.
0:58:27 > 0:58:30Literally on the other side of the river there's wild tiger.
0:58:30 > 0:58:33It doesn't feel quite as safe as what it looks!
0:58:33 > 0:58:34Whoo!