Critically Endangered Sumatran Tiger Cub Born At National Zoo In DC (Video)

WASHINGTON, DC — A Sumatran tiger cub has just been born at the Smithsonian National Zoo in D.C., a huge development for the zoo as it is a critically endangered species.

The cub's mother, 8-year-old Damai, gave birth to the tiny cub at 4:17 p.m. on Tuesday as keepers watched on closed-circuit camera, according to a statement from the zoo.

Animal care staff are keeping their distance, letting Damai and the cub bond before they start examining the cub to determine its sex.

This is Damai's second litter, and the first for the father, 13-year-old Sparky.

“This is such an exciting time for us, not only because we have a cub who appears to be doing great, but also because this animal’s genes are extremely valuable to the North American population,” said Craig Saffoe, curator of the Great Cats habitat, in the statement. “Now that we have had success breeding Damai this year and in 2013, it means that the keepers’ patience with the introduction process, their willingness to study the cats’ behaviors and learn from them and our discussions with colleagues here and at other institutions has paid off. The result is this amazing little cub.”

Sparky and Damai bred back in March. Staff noticed that she was gaining weight soon after, and a June 8 ultrasound confirmed it.

Sumatran tigers are incredibly rare in the wild. The International Union for Conservation of Nature estimates that just 300 to 400 exist in the wild.

Unfortunately, the public won't be able to see the cub for a little while. It will need to go through a series of health exams, get vaccinated, and pass a swim test, which will probably take a few months. The cub will make his or her first appearance along with Damai once they are acclimated to the yards.

However, you can view Sparky as well as Damai's son Bandar, who was born in August 2013, at the Great Cats exhibit.

Damia has been at the National Zoo in D.C. since 2011, when she was transferred from the San Diego Zoo. Sparky arrived in July 2016 from Louisville, Ky.

Image via National Zoo