 Siberian Tiger Cub Examined
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Dec. 23, 2003 — A hospital was opened in northeast China's Heilongjiang province over the weekend specifically for the care of endangered Siberian tigers, state media reported Sunday.
The hospital is aimed at protecting the highly endangered animals, 300 of which are being kept under protection in the province's Siberian Tiger Park, the Xinhua news agency said.
Sick tigers were previously sent to regular veterinary hospitals for examinations.
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The new hospital is equipped with X-ray machines, ultrasonic scanners and infant boxes and is staffed by nine vets.
Siberian tigers, the largest of all tigers, live mainly in northeast China and in the mountains and forests of Russian Siberia.
It is believed there are less than 300 Siberian tigers left in the wild, including fewer than 10 in China, Xinhua said.
The World Wide Fund for Nature has included the tigers on its list of the world's 10 most endangered animals.
The park in Harbin is the world's largest artificial propagation base for Siberian tigers.
The number of tigers in the park, which currently stands at 300, is expected to rise to 1,000 by 2010.
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Name: Amur Tiger, aka Siberian Tiger (Panthera tigris altaica)
Primary Classification: Felidae (Cats) Location: Siberia and Manchuria. Habitat: Mountainous conifer forests. Diet: Deer, antelope, wild pig, cattle, young elephants and water buffalo. Size: Up to 10.75 feet in length and 660 lbs in weight. Description: Pale orange coat with black, vertical stripes; white fur around eye, neck and chest; broad, muscular body; long, sensitive whiskers; long legs with sharp, retractable claws; long tail. Cool Facts: It is the largest member of the cat family. Conservation Status: Endangered Major Threats: Poaching and habitat loss. What Can I Do?: Visit the Tigris Foundation, TigerAid and Global Tiger Patrol for further information on how you can help. |
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