Sumatran tigers at the Sacramento Zoo are doing their part in helping save the critically endangered species.
Bahagia gave birth to a tiger cub at 2:55 a.m. on March 3, according to zoo officials. She and the cub's father, Castro, have now produced five surviving offspring.
The as-yet-unnamed cub weighed in at 3 pounds – good-size for Sumatran tigers, which usually tip the scales at 2 pounds at birth.
Mother and baby appear healthy.
Bahagia and her cub will be inside their den and away from public view while the baby gains strength and coordination, according to a zoo press release. Both should be on display in late May or early June.
"The birth of any Sumatran tiger is a great contribution to this critically endangered species," said Mary Healy, zoo director.
Fewer than 500 Sumatran tigers are believed to exist in the wild on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. About 200 live in zoos around the world.
Call The Bee's Bill Lindelof, (916) 321-1079. Follow him on Twitter @Lindelofnews.
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