JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ 3-month old Sumatran tiger cub will be taking some time off from public view for the next few weeks.
Several days ago, keepers noticed Kinleigh Rose wasn’t putting pressure on her back right leg.
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After further examination by Zoo veterinarians and an X-ray, they confirmed her femur was broken.
"Not only do we have excellent veterinary staff and diagnostic equipment at the Zoo,” said Craig Miller, Curator of Mammals at JZG. “We have access to and support from the best consultants and clinicians in our veterinary and medical community. The skill and dedication of all of these professionals is really impressive.”
Keepers aren’t sure exactly what caused the break. She and mom, Dorcas had been running and vigorously playing together and the next thing keepers noticed that the cub wasn’t putting weight on her leg.
Though her leg is providing some discomfort, she is still in a playful spirit, nursing and eating regularly, and doesn’t seem to be too inconvenienced by the injury, the Zoo said.
JZG doesn’t have an exact date she’ll return to her outside habitat.
For now, Kinleigh Rose just needs some extra rest and snuggle time with mom to help the leg to heal.
Cub and mom will still be visible via the den cameras in the tiger viewing building.