At Aalborg Zoo in Denmark, a Sumatran Tiger cub was born with an umbilical hernia. (This is a condition where the abdominal lining or part of an abdominal organ protrudes from the belly button area.) It was clear very soon after birth that the cub would need an operation. Fotunately, this little guy was in very good hands.

Veterinarians performed the surgery in October, using a gas to render the cub unconscious. This allowed the cub to wake up immediately after the surgery so that the little Tiger could be reunited with mom as soon as possible. The cub has recovered well and is being raised by mom, growing up strong and healthy. 

Wild Sumatran Tigers are found only on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. A Critically Endangered species, there are an estimated 400 to 600 left in the wild, with habitat loss and poaching posing the greatest threats. The smallest of six tiger subspecies that exist today, a fully grown Sumatran Tiger can weigh up to about 310 pounds (140 kg).

Photo credits: Aalborg Zoo

See more photos after the fold!