The San Diego Zoo Safari Park has welcomed a new member to its Tull Family Tiger Trail habitat. A Sumatran tiger cub was born on August 23, marking the first offspring for the tigress Jillian, which represents a significant step forward in the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's conservation efforts.

“This birth adds Jillian’s incredibly important genes to the population’s genetic pool, strengthening the diversity and health of the Sumatran tiger species,” said Lisa Peterson, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of the Safari Park.

According to the organization, the cub’s birth was the result of a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Sumatran Tiger Species Survival Plan, whose goal is to ensure genetic diversity and self-sustaining populations of threatened and endangered wildlife.

The alliance highlighted that only between 400 and 600 Sumatran tigers remain in their natural habitat, classifying the species as critically endangered.

Jillian and her cub will spend the next 10 to 12 weeks in their den, strengthening their bond. When Jillian deems it appropriate, she will allow her cub to explore the outdoors under her careful supervision, according to the alliance.