Sumatran tiger twins thriving in first public appearance at Chester Zoo

Seeing two rare Sumatran tiger cubs thriving and "enjoying some playful rough and tumble" has been "absolutely wonderful", a zookeeper has said.

The female twins, named Alif and Raya, were born at Chester Zoo in January but have only just started to explore the outside world.

The zoo said only 350 of the tigers, which are native to the Indonesian island of Sumatra, remain in the wild.

Keeper Dayna Thain said it would be a "real privilege" to see the cubs grow.

The zoo said the species was critically endangered in the wild and it was part of an international conservation breeding programme to help increase numbers.

Sumatran tigers are the smallest of the six tiger subspecies and have webbed paws, which make them excellent swimmers

Ms Thain, the zoo's carnivore keeper, said to see the two cubs thriving was "absolutely wonderful"

Sumatran tigers are the smallest of the six tiger subspecies and have webbed paws, which make them excellent swimmers.

They also have white spots on their ears, which look like eyes and make them appear alert from behind, and their stripes are closer together than any other tiger.

A zoo representative said an increasing human population had seen more than 90% of the tiger's habitat wiped out and poaching for its skin, bones and canine teeth, which are sold illegally in traditional Asian medicine markets, had also had an impact on numbers.

The pair of cubs have been exploring their enclosure for the first time since being born in January

Sumatran tigers have white spots on their ears, which look like eyes and make them appear alert from behind

Ms Thain, the zoo's carnivore keeper, said to see the two cubs thriving was "absolutely wonderful".

"It's a real joy to get a glimpse of the cubs exploring and enjoying some playful rough and tumble together," she said.

"The cubs are still a little shy and pop in and out of the den with mum Kasarna, but it's going to be a real privilege to watch as they grow in confidence and their feisty personalities really start to show through."

Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to [e-mail]