Oakland Zoo Shares Sweet Update on Their New Rescued Tiger Cub
While some zoos have recently made headlines for questionable conditions, the majority of zoos and animal sanctuaries truly do have the best interests of animals in mind. Look no further than the dedication of big cat experts at the Oakland Zoo, who recently stepped up to care for a young tiger after she was saved from a private facility.
While the 8-month-old female tiger cub has unimaginable injuries due to malnutrition, the zoo cannot release the details of her history. What's most important now is that she's in the care of experts who can help her, and she's expected to make an almost complete recovery!
On March 4, the Northern California zoo posted a positive update about the healing tiger cub. She has a long journey ahead of her, but so far, she's doing great!
Aww--this is what I love to see! The zoo keepers and volunteers are doing their best to make sure this rescued cub is occupied and stimulated, even though she can't move around much yet. These little changes make a world of difference for zoo animals, especially when they're confined to a smaller enclosure like she is.
Related: Oakland Zoo Gives Sweet Update on Rescued Mountain Lion Cub Siblings
As the zoo explained, tiger cubs like her love to practice shredding with whatever they can find, including branches and leaves. It's resourceful to place these low to the ground to keep the tiger occupied while she's resting, though I imagine she'll get restless at one time or another.
Even though her day-to-day life looks a bit different than other tigers' lives, those who have followed her story can how she's making progress.
"She looks so much better!" agreed commenter @noopernoops1. "Amazing care at Oakland Zoo!"
A Rough Start to Life
Although things are looking up for the female tiger, that was not always the case. This rescue exotic animal is recovering from multiple fractures and bone disease due to a lack of calcium and phosphorus in her diet. Over time, this caused her bones to weaken and fracture from regular activities like playing. On top of that, her injuries were never treated, so she's been suffering for quite a while.
According to the SF Chronicle, the zoo staff expects that rehabbing her muscles and healing her fractures will take "several weeks to months." Once she's able to move more and is considered healed, the zoo will make arrangements for her to move into her forever home. It could be at another zoo or a licensed private facility, but rest assured--there is a plan in place for this beautiful rescued tiger. Soon, she'll feel so much better!
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