CALGARY — Calgary Zoo officials say a newborn Siberian tiger cub continues to receive emergency care but describe her condition as “very fragile.”
The healthy baby was born early Monday morning to Katja, who lost a pair of cubs last September.
Senior animal care staff removed the cub from the den after her mother left her alone, causing the tiny cub to become dehydrated and her body temperature to drop.
Positive signs have included continued weight gain and an improved ability to regulate body temperature, but in a recent development her heart function dropped significantly, requiring emergency intervention.
A zoo spokeswoman says they remain worried about the newborn’s lack of suckling reflex which has resulted in the need for a feeding tube.
The director of animal care said Siberian tiger mothers often abandon their cubs if they detect a serious health issue.