Point Defiance Zoo staff to bottle-feed baby tiger
TACOMA, Wash. (AP) - The head veterinarian at a Tacoma zoo says staffers will bottle-feed a newborn Sumatran tiger cub because of concerns that he's losing weight and not getting enough milk.
Staff at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium say the cub's mother, Jaya, is less attentive to this cub than she was to a litter she had two years ago.
The zoo says she's been frequently leaving the den box, which means the new cub isn't getting sufficient nursing opportunities.
Dr. Karen Wolf says it's in the cub's best interest to get round-the-clock feedings with special formula. She said Tuesday he was a bit dehydrated and his temperature was low. He weighed 3 pounds.
"He is very vocal and is off to a good start," Wolf said. "So far he is showing a positive response to bottle feeding."
The cub was born Aug. 22.
Sumatran tigers are a critically endangered species.
Staff at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium say the cub's mother, Jaya, is less attentive to this cub than she was to a litter she had two years ago.
The zoo says she's been frequently leaving the den box, which means the new cub isn't getting sufficient nursing opportunities.
Dr. Karen Wolf says it's in the cub's best interest to get round-the-clock feedings with special formula. She said Tuesday he was a bit dehydrated and his temperature was low. He weighed 3 pounds.
"He is very vocal and is off to a good start," Wolf said. "So far he is showing a positive response to bottle feeding."
The cub was born Aug. 22.
Sumatran tigers are a critically endangered species.
Wonder if they are looking for volunteers to help out with the round the clock feedings? What a thrill that would be.
 @Petwlkr Yes that would be very cool