Recovering baby tiger dies at Brookfield Zoo
The young male tiger cub mauled by its father late last month at Brookfield Zoo has died.
Chicago Zoological Society officials, who oversee management of the zoo, are blaming zookeepers for the incident that also resulted in injury to the young cub's twin sister.
"The (society's) assessment of the situation concludes that responsibility for the incident rests with the Society and steps are already being taken to address the issues," according to a release from Brookfield Zoo officials. "Significant changes are being implemented to animal housing policy, training and staffing."
The male cub had to have a foreleg amputated following the Sept. 27 mauling, zoo officials said. The cub died Sunday while recovering from anesthesia for "ongoing treatment of the injuries," the release read.
The twin Amur tiger cubs were born May 25 at the zoo. They were being kept in an enclosure with their mother, according to zoo officials. The father was being kept in a separate adjacent enclosure.
A small opening in a door between the two enclosures allowed the young male cub to stick its paw through to its father's living area, which apparently led to the mauling.
Zoo officials said that particular door should not have been used to separate the male adult tiger from its cubs.
The release also stated a U.S. Department of Agriculture investigation concurs with the assessment. USDA officials could not be reached for comment Monday because of the Columbus Day holiday.
"A questionable staff evaluation had been made of the cubs' ability to interact with the adult male," the release states. "Reorganization of staffing for the area as well as institutional housing policies for young carnivore species have been made. Off-site training for some keeper staff is scheduled."
When the male cub was attacked, it is believed the mother injured both cubs' tails trying to remove them from the danger. The female cub is still being treated for her tail injury, zoo officials said.
"The veterinarians are cautiously optimistic about her condition," the release stated.
It is unknown if the zoo will be fined by the USDA. The zoo release indicated the zoo had been "cited"ˆÅ¥ for inadequate separation of the tigers.