Tiger Cub Dies at L.A. Zoo

The Los Angeles Zoo today announced that one of three male Sumatran tiger cubs born Aug. 6 has died.

Zoo officials said a necropsy performed on the cub after it was found dead Monday indicated that it had sustained head trauma, but it was not immediately clear how it occurred.

The cub’s mother, Lulu, will continue to raise the two other cubs, according to the zoo. The tiger successfully raised litters in 2005 and 2007.

Because tiger cubs depend on their mothers for the first year, the zoo said each birth in captivity “is significant and not without risk.”

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/09/tiger-cub-at-la-zoo-found-dead.html

LA Zoo tiger cub dies of head trauma

 

The Associated Press

Posted: 09/13/2011 02:40:38 PM PDT

Updated: 09/13/2011 02:40:39 PM PDT

 

LOS ANGELES—One of three Sumatran tiger cubs born last month at the Los Angeles Zoo has died.

Zookeepers found the dead cub on Monday.

Spokeswoman Leinani Bernabe says a necropsy shows the cub sustained a head trauma, but veterinarians are unable to determine how it happened.

The three cubs born Aug. 6 don’t have names.

The remaining two cubs will continue to be raised by their mother, Lulu. They aren’t being exhibited until they are large enough for the outdoor tiger habitat.

Lulu has previously raised five cubs in two successful litters in 2005 and 2007.

Sumatran tigers are an endangered species due to challenges such as habitat loss, poaching and conflict with human populations.