Baby tiger found with 10 bone fractures rescued by Oakland Zoo
(KRON)– The Oakland Zoo and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife rescued an eight-month-old tiger suffering from 10 improperly healed fractures, the Oakland Zoo said in a statement.
Vets from the zoo say the fractures are due to decalcification, a health deficiency in calcium and phosphorus as a result of a poor diet given to the tiger. The fractures have rendered the tiger unable to run or climb, leading to significant muscle atrophy, the Oakland Zoo reports.
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“I’ve treated over 100 cases of rescued big cats, and unfortunately, these injuries can lead to lifelong medical issues”, says Dr. Ryan Sadler, Senior Veterinarian at Oakland Zoo
Health professionals at the zoo have since given the tiger nutritional supplements and have treated her with appropriate pain medication. Despite creating a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, the Oakland Zoo states it can take “several weeks or months” before full rehabilitation. Some of the damage is even irreparable, such as a likelihood of the tiger developing arthritis in her later years, the report states.
Agents from the Oakland Zoo rescued the tiger on Tuesday afternoon, where the female cub was found under poor health conditions in a “privately owned facility in the western U.S.”, said Oakland Zoo in the statement. Information on the private facility has yet to be released, as the case is still undergoing investigation.
“Seeing this young tiger enduring such obvious suffering is extremely difficult…no animal should experience life in this way. We are grateful to serve in a role that gives her hope for brighter days ahead”, said Nik Dehejia, CEO of Oakland Zoo
The Oakland Zoo is prioritizing the full physical recovery of the tiger before announcing its next sanctuary and home.
Oakland Zoo is taking action to promote responsible pet ownership and to rescue and re-home improperly owned animals. To learn more about their efforts, go to oaklandzoo.org/animalwellbeing. To support Oakland Zoo’s efforts to rescue and rehabilitate animals in need, please donate at oaklandzoo.org/supportanimals.
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