MANHATTAN (KSNT) - Staff at the Sunset Zoo are announcing the successful birth of two Malayan tiger cubs in a first-ever event for the Little Apple. Melissa Kirkwood with the City of Manhattan said in a press release that two cubs were born on Aug. 23, 2024. These were born to Indrah and Jaya. The births mark a big moment for both the zoo and the critically endangered species. "The successful birth of these tigers is a triumph for Sunset Zoo and conservationists worldwide who are striving to protect Malayan tigers and other endangered species from extinction," Kirkwood said in the press release. (Photo Courtesy/Caitlin Kenney)(Photo Courtesy/Caitlin Kenney)(Photo Courtesy/Caitlin Kenney) KCC approves new energy transmission lines in Kansas Malayan tigers are one of the most critically endangered of the tiger subspecies with only around 150 or fewer left in the wild. Poaching, habitat destruction and human-wildlife conflict have taken their toll on the species. "The birth of these tiger cubs is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve through collaboration and dedication to conservation," said Scott Shoemaker, director of the Sunset Zoo. "We hope that these cubs will inspire people to take action to protect Malayan tigers in the wild, as they are nearing extinction." Kirkwood said the Sunset Zoo cares for five of the 56 Malayan tigers in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Malayan Tiger Species Survival Plan. The tiger cubs in Manhattan will be monitored by zoo staff to ensure they grow up healthy. "It took an incredible effort and several years to get to this point. Considerable hard work and continued dedication on behalf of our keeper staff went into this process and we are incredibly proud of the care we can provide our first-time mom, Indrah, and her cubs," said Head Keeper, Caitlin Kenney.  Alligator snapping turtles are back in Kansas, what to know The names for the two cubs will be revealed at a later date once identification of their sex can be made by zoo staff. Learn more about the Sunset Zoo by clicking here. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.  Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf