Siberian tiger cub born at Calgary Zoo

A Siberian tiger cub has been born at the Calgary Zoo.

Katja, the mother, gave birth early Monday morning, the zoo said Tuesday.

Staff said the mother appears to be taking good care of the cub, and because they have to leave the cub undisturbed, they're keeping tabs on the animals via infrared cameras placed in the tiger den.

The sex of the cub isn't known yet.

Katja was the same tiger that gave birth to two cubs unexpectedly last fall, both of which died shortly thereafter due to head trauma from being carried around improperly. 

The zoo called the latest birth "potentially great news for a very endangered species."

"It is important to understand that the early stages of any tiger's life are a high risk, both in captivity and in the wild, as new mothers can make mistakes, and issues such as congenital health issues can manifest," Dr. Jake Veasey, the zoo's director of animal care, conservation and research, said in a news release.

Staff anticipated a birth after having observed male tiger Baikal and Katja successfully mating, the zoo said.

No public viewing for 3 months

On Sunday, the keeper noticed behaviour that indicated Katja might be close to giving birth, the zoo said. By early morning, a cub was being cared for.

"Since it looks like Katja has only produced one cub, which is unusual, and is still relatively inexperienced, it's difficult to predict with confidence what will happen," Veasey said.

"However, it's important that we give her the opportunity to learn maternal skills that are crucial to the ultimate survival of this species…. We are providing them with everything they need at this time, including privacy."

It's expected the cub will remain in the den with Katja for about three months before emerging for public viewing.

The Calgary Zoo currently has four adult tigers, one of which is due to leave for the Toronto Zoo soon as a part of the coordinated species survival program for Siberian, or Amur, tigers.

Siberian tigers are endangered and at the last count there are about 350 tigers left in the wild.

The zoo said the survival rate for tiger cubs, both in the wild and in captivity, is one in three.