Zoo rescues tiger cub with improperly healed fractures
An 8-month-old female tiger cub suffering from several improperly healed fractures and bone disease arrived at the Oakland Zoo after being rescued from a private facility in the western U.S., zoo officials said Thursday.
The cub was rescued Tuesday afternoon, officials said, when the Oakland Zoo acted on behalf of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to assist with the rescue. Due to legal ramifications, zoo officials said they could not provide details about her “history” before arriving at the zoo.
After an exam from the zoo’s veterinary staff, the cub was determined to have 10 fractures, due to the “decalcification,” or softening of her bones due to lack of calcium. “Inadequate amounts of calcium and phosphorus in her diet caused her body to source the calcium from her bones, which resulted in the weakening of the bones and subsequent fracturing during normal young tiger activities, such as play behavior,” zoo officials said. “This led to a 50% muscle atrophy.”
The zoo said the cub’s injuries make it unable for her to perform natural behaviors, such as running or climbing. The zoo’s hospital team is working to build up the cub’s calcium and rehabilitate her damaged muscles, which can take “several weeks to months,” according to zoo officials. “Oakland Zoo veterinarians are cautiously optimistic, though it will take some time, that she will make a full recovery, with the exception of her likely developing arthritis in her later years,” officials said.
After the cub heals and receives medical clearance, the plan is for her to move to a new sanctuary, which is to be determined, the zoo said.
“Seeing this young tiger enduring such obvious suffering is extremely difficult . ... No animal should experience life in this way,” said Nik Dehejia, Oakland Zoo’s CEO. “We are grateful to serve in a role that gives her hope for brighter days ahead.”
This is the second time in two years that the Oakland Zoo has stepped up to rescue tigers with serious injuries. In June 2022, the zoo helped rescue four female big cats, including two tigers, from a defunct, troubled roadside petting zoo in northeastern Oklahoma. The tigers, named Mia and Lola, now reside permanently at the zoo.