The tiger cubs caused a stir when circus promoter Silvio Zammit said they had been born en route to Malta. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

A veterinary inspection sparked by media reports has revealed circus tigers did not have cubs on their way to Malta, Times of Malta has learnt. Animal welfare officer Emanuel Buhagiar yesterday said he ordered a second inspection when he heard the reports.

“Had that been the case, it would be criminal because animals about to give birth cannot be transported,” he said. The inspection was made on the same day circus promoter Silvio Zammit invited the media, including this newspaper, to view the cubs last week.

He claimed they were born by two tigers in transit, but a veterinary report seen by Times of Malta indicates the six cubs were more than three weeks old and “definitely not born during the transport to Malta”.

Veterinary officer Duncan Chetcuti Ganado wrote they had open eyes, baby teeth that were already sharp, an approximate weight of four kilograms and could balance on their legs.

“[This] renders them old enough not to be considered newly born.”

The report includes a certificate from an Italian veterinarian indicating they arrived before November 24, when the circus troupe was still in Sicily.

It stated that the cubs had to travel with their mother and having them microchipped and vaccinated was not yet recommended.

When contacted, Mr Zammit admitted the cubs were born in November but insisted the circus had been travelling from between Sicilian towns its way to Malta.

“I know it is illegal to put a pregnant tiger on a ship but I was correct in saying they were on their way to Malta when the cubs were born in Sicily.”

He quashed rumours that any were to be sold in Malta, as they had to spend at least six months with their mothers.

“No tigers are for sale and the six cubs will ensure the owner continues to have a livelihood in the circus,” Mr Zammit said.

Dr Chetcuti Ganado also noted the tigers were in “very good shape” and had just enough space to exercise out of their cages.

The Viviana Orfei circus has put up its marquee at Manoel Island and will be here until January 5.