India’s first tricolour cubs born to white tigress Ragini at Indore zoo

At Kamla Nehru Prani Sangrahalaya, Indore zoo, a nine-year-old white tigress Ragini gave birth to three cubs. Vicky, the black, melanistic tiger is the proud father.

The cubs are currently under supervision as the initial two months are considered crucial for newborns in terms of contracting infection. What's interesting is that these are rare, tricoloured cubs.

A platter of tiny feet is a sight of pure bliss and enjoyment, especially when the female happens to be a white tigress and a first-time mother. Ragini is the center of everybody's attention and under utmost care after she gave birth to three beautiful cubs on Sunday at around 01:30 pm. But what is even more amazing is that out of the three babies, two are tricoloured, i.e. a combination of orange with black stripes with a hint of white. According to wildlife experts, it is a rare event.

“The white tiger is produced by a genetic fluke that occurs when two orange tigers with rare recessive forms of a gene, called alleles, happen to breed,” informed Dr Uttam Yadav.

The gender of the newborns is yet to be determine as they were under care of their mother. Visitors will be allowed once the cubs are fit to be exhibited.

The Indore zoo already had 12 tigers including five tigers and seven tigress and with delivery of three more, the count has gone up to 15.