by KYW's Karin Phillips
The Philadelphia Zoo's three new tiger cubs have been introduced to the public for the first time.
Koosaka, Changbai, and Terney are the zoo's new Amur tigers. They spent Thursday morning rolling all over the grass, chasing and playing with each other, and splashing in the little pool in the Tiger Pavilion.
The two males, Koosaka and Changbai, are the biggest and the roughest, at 18 and 20 pounds, while Terney, believed to be a female, is more reserved and smaller.
Tara Brody (right) is the tiger keeper:
"I guess in two months they could be up to 40 pounds, 40 or 50. They grow very rapidly. Because in the wild, they have to grow real quick to hunt."
Vik Dewan is president and CEO of the Philadelphia Zoo:
"There's usually water running through here, but in this particular case we've turned it off because we want to make sure that young cubs don't get themselves into trouble. But understand, they love water; Amur tigers are the very few cats that really enjoy water."
Eileen is a docent at the Philadelphia Zoo:
"They're adorable. And they run and they play, and it's just fun to see. And it's terrific for the public to be able to enjoy seeing a species like this, up close and personal."
Dr. Andrew Baker is vice president of animal programs for the zoo:
"What we're trying to do is really engage people and hopefully spur them to conservation action in support these beautiful, magnificent animals."
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