One Amur tiger cub survives

June 23, 2012 at 5:20AM
Newborn Amur tiger cub at the Minnesota Zoo.
Newborn Amur tiger cub at the Minnesota Zoo. (Provided by the Minnesota Zoo/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Two rare Amur tiger cubs were born at the Minnesota Zoo, but only one survived.

The cubs were born Sunday. They were soon removed from their mother's care because zoo staff determined that she was not providing the needed maternal care, the zoo said.

The smaller of the newborns did not make it past the first few days. About two-thirds of Amur tiger cubs survive the first 30 days.

This is the first offspring for the mother, Angara, and the father, Molniy. The surviving cub -- a female -- can be seen via zoo webcam at www.startribune.com/a1431.

Since it opened in 1978, the Minnesota Zoo has welcomed nearly 40 Amur tiger cubs.

The largest of all cats and one of six remaining tiger subspecies, the Amur tiger is a top predator of far eastern Asia. Its thick fur and padded paws protect it against the extreme cold and icy winds of winter, while its stripes help render it invisible to prey.

Around 1940, the wild Amur tiger population in Russia was estimated to be as low as 20 or 30. In 2005, scientists estimated that the population had recovered to between 430 and 500, but it is thought that wild Amur tigers have since declined to about 350.

PAUL WALSH

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about the writer

Paul Walsh

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Paul Walsh is a general assignment reporter at the Minnesota Star Tribune. He wants your news tips, especially in and near Minnesota.

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