The tiger cub weighed only 3 pounds at birth, but he’s growing fast. He now weighs about 10 pounds.

The sleepy little tiger curls up with his paws over his head.

Photos by Selket Guzman/Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.

Jaya, an endangered Sumatran tiger at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, gave birth to a three-pound male cub on Aug. 22. Zoological staff separated the cub from his mother a few days after birth because he wasn’t getting enough milk, was dehydrated and his temperature was low. He’s now thriving and visitors have the chance to see him on exhibit

See special keeper interactions with the cub daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m, in the Cub Den in Asian Forest Sanctuary. As well, the cub’s parents, Jaya and Malosi, are both in the rotation of tigers placed on exhibit each day in the zoo’s Asian Forest Sanctuary. 

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium staff is now compiling votes to name the new cub. Visit this online survey to vote from six different names for the tiger. Voting will take place now through Oct. 4.

Sumatran tigers are critically endangered, and births in zoos are extremely rare. They are native to the island of Sumatra. Only an estimated 300 Sumatran tigers remain in the wild. To learn more about the cub, visit www.pdza.org/Sumatran-Tiger-Cub.

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