Zoo officials announced the birth of six rare Bengal white tigers Tuesday, saying the their arrival increased the overall population of the endangered animals to 210.

The three male and three female tigers were born on Nov. 18 but it wasn't announced until Tuesday, when they were allowed to cavort in front the public for the first time.

It is the second time the mother, Bety, and her mate, Conde, have become parents since they arrived at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1997. A year and a half ago, Bety gave birth to triplets.

The six new cubs — some with black-striped bodies and piercing blue eyes — are healthy and developing normally, said zoo spokeswoman Alejandra Durruty.

Hunted nearly to extinction in their native Asia, the World Wildlife Fund says few white tigers now remain in the wild and most are protected in zoos, putting the total worldwide at 210.

On Tuesday, dozens of kids watched from behind plexiglass as the cubs cavorted in their pen. Officials said they are planning a contest in which children will name the cubs.

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