Two tiger cubs Binh and Duong at the Zoo are 2 years old: Still hugging each other to sleep, love bathing in the rain

On the morning of May 11, the Bengal tiger cage at Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden was bustling with a unique birthday party: Binh and Duong had just turned 2 years old.

Ho Binh (standing behind doing "ballet") and Duong playfully at the birthday party at the Zoo on the morning of May 11 - Photo: CHAU TUAN

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden Company Limited said that Binh and Duong are not only healthy Bengal tigers but also two "boys" with extremely strong personalities.

Duong has dark fur, an alert gait and always actively "patrols" around the cage. Binh stands out with his light yellow fur and lively, friendly personality.

Binh likes to stand on his hind legs, turn around, and swing his front legs as if he were... dancing, so much so that the staff here gave him the nickname "ballerina".

Both of them loved water and rain. The harder it rained, the more excited they became. They didn't run away or hide in their cages, but instead ran around the playground, grabbing water and jumping onto the windshield like two children bursting into tears after being drenched in the rain for the first time.

Even though they are in the process of changing from cub to adult tiger, with developed muscles and actions starting to form strong instincts, Binh and Duong are still mischievous, gluttonous and especially attached, sometimes hugging each other to sleep.

Tiger Tay, the grandfather of "two" Binh - Duong lives in the cage next door. On this occasion, Tiger Tay will move to "retire" in Cu Chi district.

Present at this birthday party was "Tay" a male Bengal tiger with code number 6170 (Binh and Duong's maternal grandfather). Tay was not born in the zoo, but was rescued from the Binh Duong Provincial Forest Protection Department and transferred here.

When he first arrived, Tay's health was still weak due to living in less than ideal conditions. But thanks to careful care, Tay quickly recovered and became a strong, calm, disciplined tiger.

Every afternoon, Tay likes to soak in the lake. And although he is not too friendly with his neighbors, Tay is especially gentle with Binh and Duong, often lying right in front of their cage door, watching over their sleep like a tolerant grandfather.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hung, the "foster father" of tiger Tay and the two tigers Binh and Duong, said that after attending Binh and Duong's birthday, Tay is also preparing to "retire", because Tay is now 15 years old.

Tay will be moved to a new barn that is being completed, no different from a 5-star resort, in Cu Chi district. It is quieter and cooler there, with its own playground and shade trees everywhere. And Tay will be able to enjoy his old age in a worthy way.

The children were taken by their families to attend the birthday party of tigers Binh and Duong at the Zoo.

Some questions from visitors, along with gifts at the birthday party

Young people check-in with images of two tigers Binh and Duong - Photo: CHAU TUAN

The party had many attendees from the morning of May 11.

The Western tiger sat quietly next to the cage in Binh Duong.

Animal food gifts at the Zoo are constantly given to visitors by staff.

On May 13, 2023, Binh and Duong, born at the Saigon Zoo, began their lives with a journey filled with love. With the attentive care of their "foster father", the two brothers grew up healthy, inseparable, becoming the pride of the entire team caring for rare animals.

"Tiger grandchild - tiger grandfather" at the Zoo, the next generation is full of pride

Ms. Huynh Thu Thao - Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens Company Limited - said that the special exchange session called "Tigers don't just roar, Tigers also inspire" this morning was not only a birthday party for Binh and Duong, but also a respectful greeting for Tay - a special tiger who has contributed to creating proud generations.

In a natural world increasingly shrinking due to urbanization, the conservation and care of rare animals like the Bengal tiger right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City is not only a scientific achievement, but also an inspirational story about love for animals, about patience, and about the instinctive bonds between generations of tigers.

Happy Birthday Binh, Duong! And thank you Mr. Tay - the silent old tiger who inspired in the most unique way.

CHAU TUAN

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/2-ho-con-binh-va-duong-o-thao-cam-vien-tron-2-tuoi-van-om-nhau-ngu-me-tam-mua-20250511125958498.htm