From The Telegraph
Swimming tests are usually reserved for humans, but on Wednesday at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington DC, two Sumatran tiger cubs gave it a try. The male and female cubs, named Bandar and Sukacita, were placed in the moat surrounding their enclosure by zookeepers and monitored closely to ensure safety.
Both cubs were able to keep their heads above water, paddle to the shallow end of the moat and climb onto dry land. The moat exists to protect visitors from the animals, but could present an obstacle for the young cats, according to zookeepers. The purpose of this swim reliability test is make sure that if the cubs enter the water, they know how and where to get out.
Both cats passed their tests, so they are now permitted to explore the yard with their mother, four-year old Damai.
Bandar and Sukacita were born at the zoo August 5, 2013.
Sumatran tigers are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.