The Los Angeles Zoo is saddened to announce that one of the three tiger cubs born on August 6 has passed away. Zoo staff discovered the deceased cub on Monday, September 12, 2011. A necropsy indicated the cub sustained head trauma but veterinarians are unable to determine specifically how this occurred. 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.
Sumatran tigers are a critically endangered species due to challenges such as habitat loss, poaching and conflict with human populations. Tigers, like most species of wild cats, give birth to small young that rely on their mother for care and protection during their first year of life. 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.