Rare tiger cub arrives at Moscow Zoo
VLADIVOSTOK, May 25 (RIA Novosti) - An Amur tiger cub will be transferred to a Moscow zoo Thursday from Russia's Far East in what could become a permanent move, the head of agency taking care of the animal said.
Environmentalists are concerned about the fate of the Amur tiger - there are only about 450 living in the wild in the Primorye and neighboring Khabarovsk territories - so a new home in captivity is likely to be found for eight-month-old Prima.
Sergei Zubtsov, head of the Tiger agency, said the cub, named in honor of the region where she was found, would undergo further medical tests in Moscow after she had been rescued from poachers in March.
"Prima is going to Moscow zoo for a re-examination," Zubtsov said. "Then she will either stay there or go to another Russian or overseas zoo."
Timber workers found Prima and another cub in a state of extreme exhaustion. One died later at a veterinary clinic from injuries sustained from poachers, who can sell skin and body parts for huge sums in Asia.