Two tiger cubs have taken their first steps into the outside world since their birth at Banham Zoo last month.

The pair were initially kept away from public viewing, but in recent days have been spotted outside their enclosure to the delight of visitors at the Norfolk attraction.

Part of the Siberian tiger subspecies, the cubs were born on May 1 and are a legacy to their father Kuzma, who was the zoo's resident male Siberian tiger and died in March aged 14.

"The pair are gaining strength and confidence and can be seen for short periods of time throughout the day exploring their new environment," a spokesman from the zoo said.

There are thought to be around 500 Siberian tigers, also known as Amur tigers, left in the wild, with the species classed as endangered.

READ MORE: Zoo mourns the loss of 'beloved' tiger Kuzma

Their mother Mishka, aged seven, originally gave birth to three cubs but one was found dead six days after their birth.

Eastern Daily Press: Mishka and one of the endangered tiger cubsMishka and one of the endangered tiger cubs (Image: PA)

A post-mortem recorded that it had "struggled to suckle from Mishka".

The two surviving cubs are "doing well and growing in strength" and "building confidence as they begin to move around more," the spokesman said.

READ MORE: Tiger cub dies 15 days after birth at Banham Zoo

Mishka moved to Banham Zoo from Woburn Safari Park in 2021 as part of the European Breeding Programme for the species, intended to protect endangered animals from extinction.

Eastern Daily Press: The cubs' father Kuzma who died earlier this year at the age of 14The cubs' father Kuzma who died earlier this year at the age of 14 (Image: Banham Zoo)

She had been identified as a genetically compatible mate for Kuzma.

Siberian tigers are the largest of the world’s big cats as well as the heaviest. Adult males can weigh up to 56 stone 9lbs and reach 7 foot 6ins in length.

They are one of nine subspecies of tigers – three of which are now extinct.

Siberian tiger mothers seek out secluded den sites to protect their offspring from potential predators and to shelter them from the worst of the elements.

The zoo has announced it will confirm the cubs' sexes and name them in the coming months.