Tigers About the House Season 1 Episode 1 Sumatran Tigers

In the series premiere of Tigers About the House, titled "Sumatran Tigers," the show follows the journey of Giles Clark, a British tiger expert, as he takes on an impressive challenge - raising two Sumatran tiger cubs in his own home, with the aim of preparing them for a life in the wild.

As the episode begins, Giles flies to Australia to collect the two tiger cubs, Spot and Stripe. The cubs are just six weeks old when they arrive, and they will need around-the-clock care in the early stages of their development. Giles has prepared a special room in his house, complete with a large, enclosed play area, where the cubs can stay.

Giles is clearly passionate about tigers and their conservation, and he sees the opportunity to raise these cubs as a way of helping to save the endangered species. Sumatran tigers are one of the most critically endangered animals in the world, with fewer than 400 estimated to be left in the wild. Giles hopes that, by raising these two cubs, he can help to increase their chances of survival and also raise awareness of the problems facing wild tigers.

The first episode of the series focuses on the early stages of the cubs' development, as Giles and his team (including his girlfriend, conservationist Kerri Wolter) work hard to ensure that Spot and Stripe are happy and healthy. The segment is packed full of adorable tiger cub footage, as the two cubs play, wrestle and explore their new surroundings.

Giles and Kerri have a tough job ahead of them, as they have to make sure the cubs are properly potty-trained, socialized and fed. The first step is to ensure that the cubs are eating properly, as this is critical to their growth and development. Giles and Kerri consult with a specialist in big cat nutrition to develop a diet that will meet the cubs' needs, which includes a mix of formula, goat's milk and cooked meat.

Giles also starts working on the cubs' training, which involves getting them used to human contact and introducing them to new experiences. One of the big challenges is getting them to accept being on a leash, something that is vital if they are to be safely transported when they grow larger.

Alongside the practical side of raising the tigers, the episode also delves into some of the wider issues facing the Sumatran tiger population. Giles visits Sumatra, where he sees first-hand the devastating impact that deforestation is having on the tiger's natural habitat. It's a stark reminder of just how crucial it is that efforts are made to protect these animals.

Despite the serious message behind the series, "Sumatran Tigers" is a heartwarming, feel-good episode that is sure to appeal to animal lovers of all ages. Giles and his team are clearly dedicated to the welfare of the cubs, and their affection for the two tiny tigers is evident throughout. The episode is a real testament to the commitment needed to care for any animal, let alone two endangered tiger cubs.

Overall, "Sumatran Tigers" sets up the series well, introducing viewers to the cubs and the work that goes into raising them. The mix of cute tiger footage and important conservation messages strikes just the right balance, making for a captivating and informative first episode. It's clear that, over the course of the series, viewers will get to see these two cubs grow and develop, and hopefully their story will help to raise awareness of the plight of the Sumatran tiger.