A regular check of the trail cameras in the Bastak Nature Reserve allowed researchers to accurately determine the gender of the cubs from Zolushka’s second litter. One of the cubs is a male and the other one is a female.

Experts noted that the birth of another female tiger in the nature reserve is very important because female tigers are not competitive and Zolushka is likely to give away part of her home range to her daughter. This will increase the chances of the young tigress leading a comfortable life and successfully reproducing, as she will not have to look for a new home and take extra risks. Zoologists estimate that there are three or four females in the nature reserve; therefore, the probability of the young female tiger staying there is very high.

Over six years in the Bastak Nature Reserve, Zolushka has given birth to four cubs, including three males. Two males from the first litter, Prince and Vostok, left the nature reserve to look for their own homes. The third cub, who has already reached the age of adulthood, still lives in his natal (birth) area, but he will probably have to move outside the nature reserve soon because most of the habitable territory belongs to another male tiger, Bastak.