Tiger Cub Born At San Diego Zoo Safari Park

SAN DIEGO, CA — The San Diego Zoo Safari Park recently welcomed a tiger cub.

The Sumatran tiger cub was born Aug. 23 to first-time mother Jillian at the Safari Park in Escondido.

The male cub's birth was an important step in San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's ongoing work to conserve Sumatran tigers, according to the nonprofit conservation organization, which operates the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

"We are thrilled at the birth of this very special tiger cub at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park," said Lisa Peterson, senior vice president and executive director of the Safari Park. "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."

The Safari Park has worked to conserve the critically endangered species as a result of a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Sumatran Tiger Species Survival Plan.

There are only an estimated 400 to 600 Sumatran tigers remaining in native habitats, according to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Tigers face many challenges, including loss of habitat, challenges to human-wildlife coexistence and poaching.

"Jillian's care team has done an exceptional job monitoring her and her cub throughout this process, and it has been a joy for them to watch her enjoy motherhood," Peterson said. "We hope this cub will allow our guests to gain a greater understanding of this incredibly special species and the importance of conserving their natural habitats."

Jillian and her cub will remain in her den for several weeks, while the cub bonds, grows and learns with its mom. When Jillian is ready, she will bring her cub out of the den. The team at the Safari Park estimates this will happen when the cub is 10 to 12 weeks old.