This is so sad...
from today's online Chicago Tribune
Tiger cubs recovering after attack by parents
Tribune staff report
1:39 PM CDT, October 1, 2007
Two tiger cubs injured Thursday, apparently by their parents, are recuperating after surgery, Brookfield Zoo officials said this morning. (An earlier version of this report erroneously said the incident occurred Sunday.)
One cub had its right front leg amputated and its tail repaired during a two-hour surgery. The other was in surgery for an hour to repair its tail.
"Both cubs are alert, navigating well and displaying typical tiger behavior ... all good signs at this stage in their recovery," zoo officials said in a statement.
The cubs were injured in an off-exhibit holding area. The cubs' father, Robeki, who was in an adjoining enclosure, apparently inflicted the more severe damage when one of the cubs reached a paw into a small opening of a common door.
Their mother, Tiara, who was in the cage with her cubs, apparently damaged their tails when she tried to get them away from the door and their father.
"Tigers with missing limbs have been observed in the wild, and can be found in other rehabilitation facilities and zoos," officials said.
The cubs "will be put in close proximity to their mother as soon as possible," they added, noting they likely will be back on exhibit in the spring.
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