First photos of tiger triplets released by San Francisco Zoo

[Refugee 7]

Three 9-day-old Sumatran tiger cubs wait for their first health exam, Saturday, March 15, 2008, at the San Francisco Zoo in San Francisco. The 4-pound male cubs were born at the San Francisco Zoo, to Leanne, a 230-pound Sumatran tiger. This is the first litter for the 5-year-old mom and 10-year-old dad, named George. (George Nikitin, San Francisco Zoo) (Photo Courtesy of George Nikitin, San Francisco Zoo)

Just days after announcing that Leanne the tiger gave birth to triplets, not a single cub, the San Francisco Zoo has released their baby pictures.

Officials had thought the Sumatran tiger gave birth to only one cub March 6. But animal keepers were able to confirm this week that the 230-pound new mom had triplets - all males, who now weigh in at 4 pounds.

The animals had their first physical exam Saturday, according to zoo spokesman Paul Garcia.

Animal keepers and Jacqueline Jencek, chief zoo veterinarian, began to suspect there was more than one cub two days after Leanne gave birth. But Leanne had licked the video camera being used to monitor mom and the baby, limiting the view.

And parts of the nesting box built for Leanne and her new babies are not visible from the camera.

After the birth, zoo officials said they wouldn't disturb Leanne and her cubs for a few days. And then, they said, the cubs wouldn't be gathered for a physical examination until the mother tiger stepped out for food or a drink of water.

[agirl 0]

What cuties!

[fandlinvegas 1]

Aww, how cute!

[Echosoftom 3]

Oh my, they're beautiful. It's nice to see something good coming from that zoo. Thanks for posting this Ref!

[wildgator 0]

awww... Too cute!

[WildflowerNJ 136]

Awwwwww..how precious!!! That will just melt your heart....so cute...

Thank you for posting that, Linda...

[KansasPettyFan 1]

HEHE! They are darling!

[emmie 2]

Gorgeous! Wonder what they'll call them?

[Doxiejoe 1]

Ohhhh, they're so cute!

[Flower 0]

so cute

[LizzieB 0]

Awwwww!