Desperate attempt to save Siberian tiger cub shot in head by poachers

The male cub was shot in the head and wildlife experts say it is a 'miracle' the animal survived. 

The cat - an endangered Amur tiger, one of less than 600 or so alive in the wild  - was with its mother and a sibling when it was shot in the Pozharsky district of Primorsky region on 13 January.

The cub is now in rehabilitation in Alekseevka village to save it's life, and a pioneering operation to save its life is expected on Friday. The  mother has been seen returning to the place the cub was shot, clearly worried about her 7 month old cub.

Veterinarian Irina Korotkova said: 'The wound was treated. We injected analgesic, antibiotics. According to the X-ray the animal has a complicated injury. Most likely several surgeries are needed.' 

The Far Eastern department of Centre 'Amur Tiger' announced that they will pay 150,000 roubles ($2,550) for reliable information about the poachers. 

Director Sergey Aramilev said: 'The most important thing now is to make every effort to save the life of tiger cub, although we are aware that the situation is severe and not everything, unfortunately, depends on the vets.

'We hope that the police will make every effort to find the poachers. Our organisation is ready to pay compensation for accurate information about the circumstances of the crime and the perpetrators with a guarantee of confidentiality.

'Special thanks to the people that reported about the injured tiger cub.'