Calgary Zoo fights to save tiger cub
Posted Sep 7, 2010 5:13 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Calgary Zoo staff are working around the clock to save the life of a newborn Siberian tiger and mourning the loss of a second cub.
The pair were born overnight Monday to 10 year old Katja. It was a surprise because the tiger showed no outward signs she was pregnant.
The surviving cub was taken to the zoo’s animal health centre to be examined. It is hoped that if the cub recovers well, it will be returned to Katja as soon as possible as it is preferable that the cub be mother-raised.
“While it is generally preferable to keep hands-off and let the mothers raise their young without interference, obviously in this case with the cub in distress that was not been possible. We hope to place the cub back with Katja, realizing that there are inherent risks involved in the reintroduction of cubs back with their mothers and will work with industry experts for guidance to ensure all is taken into consideration” said Tim Sinclair-Smith.
Katja was born at the Calgary Zoo in 2000 and is a first time mother.
