Patna, Sep 4 (IANS): All three tiger cubs born at the Patna Zoological Park July 31 have died within a week, succumbing to infection, a zoo official said Tuesday.

The last of the three cubs died late Monday and the death came as a huge blow to the captive breeding of tigers. The first cub died Aug 28 and the second Sep 2, a zoo official said.

Zoo director Abhay Kumar said it was unfortunate that all three tiger cubs died despite the best possible treatment.

On July 31, tigress Swarna gave birth to the three cubs. The births made national news as captive breeding of tigers is extremely rare. Besides, the last such birth of a tiger cub in the Patna zoo was 19 years ago.

The cubs developed infection soon after birth, and their condition steadily deteriorated.

Zoo officials said an Asiatic lion cub had died in the Patna Zoo Aug 15, after being injured by its mother.

Two tigers and a tigress were brought here from the Hyderabad zoo last year.