tiger_cubupdate

Newborn tiger is looking grrrreat!

SEATTLE – Woodland Park Zoo’s week-old tiger cub had its first neonatal examination yesterday and received a clean bill of health from veterinary staff. The unnamed cub appears to be a female and weighs approximately 4 pounds. As part of the zoo’s animal care program, staff will weigh and examine the cub on a weekly basis.

“She’s alert, strong and vigorous,” said Woodland Park Zoo Associate Veterinarian Dr. Kelly Helmick. All exam findings are normal, body condition is good, and her stomach was very round and full of milk! It’s apparent the cub is receiving very good care and attention from her mom.”

The cub was born to 14-year-old mother JoJo and 13-year-old father Rakata (RAH-ka-ta). The parents produced two female cubs in 2002 and two male cubs in 2004. Staff are monitoring mom and cub via closed-circuit monitor to minimize disturbance.

Due to its delicate size and helplessness, the cub will remain off public view for a minimum of three to four months. The zoo plans to have video footage of the cub available in the very near future at the zoo. The father can be viewed in the tiger exhibit outside the same building during zoo hours. As they are made available, video and updates can be found on the zoo’s Web site. Log onto our “Species Spotlight” section for updates.

Only five tiger subspecies remain on the planet and the Sumatran is very rare with only about 400 believed to exist in the wild. “This cub represents a symbol of hope for its counterparts in the wild. Connecting people with tigers in zoos is a fundamental step toward helping us all understand the need to protect tigers and preserve their natural habitat.”

Zoo winter hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. For more information about the zoo’s tigers and its conservation efforts, check out Woodland Park Zoo’s Web site at www.zoo.org.

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Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), award-winning Woodland Park Zoo is famed for pioneering naturalistic exhibits and setting international standards for zoos all over the world. The 21st century zoo is helping to save animals and their habitats in Washington state and around the world. By inspiring people to care and act, Woodland Park Zoo is making a difference in our planet’s future.