China breeding center sees Siberian tiger baby boom

HARBIN - More than 50 tiger cubs have been born at the world's largest breeding center for Siberian tigers in Northeast China's Heilongjiang province so far this year.

"The cubs are in good health and are living in the two Siberian tiger parks under the Heilongjiang Hengdao Hezi Cat Family Breeding Center," said Liu Dan, chief engineer of one of the parks.

According to Liu, breeders have prepared fresh goat's milk and egg yolks for the cubs. When they grow older, breeders will feed them chopped meat.

The mating season for Siberian tigers usually falls between April and June.

"More than 100 Siberian tiger cubs are expected to be born in 2017," Liu said.

Siberian tigers are one of the world's most endangered species. They predominantly live in northeast China and eastern Russia.

China has been trying to save the species through captive breeding programs. The Heilongjiang breeding center is currently home to more than 1,000 Siberian tigers.