UPI – The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has announced the birth of a Sumatran tiger cub at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in the United States.
First-time mother Jillian gave birth on August 23 in the Tull Family Tiger Trail habitat.
According to care specialists, Jillian immediately bonded with her cub and has been showing all the typical nurturing behaviours.
“We are thrilled at the birth of this very special tiger cub at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park,” said Senior Vice President and executive director of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park Lisa Peterson.
“This birth adds Jillian’s incredibly important genes into the pool of the population, furthering the genetic diversity and health of the Sumatran tiger species.”
Sumatran tigers are considered critically endangered, with only 400-600 of the big cats believed to live in the wild.
Officials said the mother and cub will remain in their den for the next few weeks while specialists continue to monitor the duo and their milestones.
