Ho Chi Minh City zoo celebrates tiger cub birthday as grandfather tiger prepares for retirement

Born in 2023 and raised at the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, tiger siblings Binh and Duong were the stars of a lively morning gathering at their enclosure, attracting zookeepers, animal lovers, and a few curious visitors.

The event was part birthday party, part farewell tribute—to a beloved elder tiger named Tay.

According to the zoo, Binh and Duong are not only healthy young males but they also display unique personalities.

Duong, the more alert of the two, sports a darker coat and is often seen patrolling the enclosure with caution and curiosity.

Binh, in contrast, is lighter in color and far more playful—so much so that he has earned the nickname 'the ballet dancer' for his habit of standing on two legs and spinning with his front paws in the air.

The tiger duo shares a deep affection for water and rain.

Zookeepers say that the heavier the downpour, the more excited the brothers become—splashing, pouncing, and leaping at the glass walls like children discovering rain for the first time.

Though they are maturing rapidly—with developing muscles and growing instincts—Binh and Duong remain endearingly playful, often cuddling up together for naps after meals.

Their bond has only deepened during this transitional stage from cub to adult.

In a heartwarming twist, their grandfather Tay, a 15-year-old Bengal tiger rescued years ago from poor conditions in Binh Duong Province, was also present at the celebration.

Though he was weak upon arrival, Tay has since recovered under the zoo’s care and is now known for his calm demeanor and strict routine—especially his daily dip in the pool.

While not particularly sociable with his neighbors, Tay is reportedly gentle with his grandcubs, often lying near their enclosure as if keeping silent watch over them.

According to Nguyen Van Hung, a longtime caretaker who is referred to as their 'adoptive father,' as Binh and Duong grow into adulthood, Tay is preparing to retire.

The senior tiger will soon be relocated to a newly constructed enclosure in Cu Chi District—described by zoo officials as a 'five-star resort' for animals, complete with shaded play areas and more space to roam.

“Today’s celebration wasn’t just for Binh and Duong—it was also our way of honoring Tay, whose quiet strength has helped raise a new generation,” said Huynh Thu Thao, chairwoman of the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

In a world where wild spaces are shrinking under urban development, the Saigon zoo's efforts to breed and care for Bengal tigers offer a glimpse into a broader story—of science, patience, and the enduring connections between animals across generations.