Columbus Zoo Welcomes Amur Tiger Cubs

Lewis and Clark make their debut at the Columbus Zoo

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

The Columbus Zoo has welcomed two new Amur tiger cubs, named Lewis and Clark, as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). The 1.5-year-old brothers were recently transferred to the zoo and are now adjusting to their new home, where visitors can watch them explore and play in the snow.

Why it matters

Amur tigers are an endangered subspecies, with only around 500 remaining in the wild. Zoos play a crucial role in conservation efforts through breeding programs like the AZA's SSP, which helps maintain genetic diversity and ensure the long-term survival of the species.

The details

The two Amur tiger cubs, named Lewis and Clark, arrived at the Columbus Zoo last week as part of a coordinated effort by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan. The 1.5-year-old brothers are now settling into their new habitat and delighting visitors as they explore their surroundings and frolic in the snow.

  • The Columbus Zoo welcomed the two Amur tiger cubs last week.
  • The cubs, named Lewis and Clark, are 1.5 years old.

The players

Columbus Zoo

A zoo located in Columbus, Ohio that is home to a variety of animal species, including the newly arrived Amur tiger cubs.

Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)

A non-profit organization that accredits zoos and aquariums in the United States and Canada, and coordinates conservation efforts through programs like the Species Survival Plan.

Lewis and Clark

The two 1.5-year-old Amur tiger cubs that have been transferred to the Columbus Zoo as part of the AZA's Species Survival Plan.

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What’s next

Visitors to the Columbus Zoo can now see the new Amur tiger cubs, Lewis and Clark, as they explore their habitat and adjust to their new home.

The takeaway

The arrival of the Amur tiger cubs at the Columbus Zoo is an important step in the conservation efforts for this endangered subspecies, highlighting the crucial role that zoos play in protecting and breeding threatened animal populations.