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Endangered Tiger Cub Found Dead At LA Zoo

 

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — One of three tiger cubs born in August has been found dead at the Los Angeles Zoo, according to officials.

Zoo staff found the deceased Sumatran tiger cub on Monday. The three male cubs were born on Aug. 6, officials said. The zoo, however, did not announce the births until Monday, because they wanted to wait until it looked like they would be OK.

A necropsy found that the cub sustained head trauma but veterinarians are unable to determine how it happened.

"The cub's mother, Lulu, has previously raised a total of five cubs in two successful litters in 2005 and 2007. Zoo staff will let her raise the remaining two cubs," zoo staffer Leinani Bernabe said in a statement.

Sumatran tigers are a critically endangered species.

"Every birth of these tigers in a zoo is significant and not without risk. The L.A. Zoo takes several precautions including regular veterinary check-ups and keeping the animals off exhibit until they are large enough to navigate the outdoor tiger habitat," Bernabe said.

The Los Angeles Zoo has dedicated a portion of its website to provide updates about the two cubs.

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