Tiger shot in the head by poachers 'may go back to wild' after surgery

Experts say it is a 'miracle' the Siberian tiger survived after a bullet went through its head. One of only 600 or so tigers remaining in their natural habitat in eastern Russia, the 7 month old cub appeared on the brink of death. 

But rehabilitation and the surgery to 'restore the integrity of the facial part of the skull' - seen here in the pictures - has been successful, and the tiger has a chance to return to the wild.  

Ophthalmologist Anatoly Verba found that eye damage was not as bad as feared. 

Leading veterinarian of Moscow zoo Mikhail Alshinetsky, who headed the team of doctors, noted: 'The ophthalmologist examined the eye, took blood tests and we also made new X-rays. 

'As a result, it became clear that the animal is in good condition. The surgeon came to the conclusion that the facial bones fuse together properly... most likely, an additional operation is not required. 

'But, after a month and a half, we will make another X-ray, and then everything will be clear.'

Director of the Far Eastern branch of the 'Tiger Centre' Sergei Aramilev said: 'The situation was not as serious as feared after a visual check.' The tiger cub has a 'big thirst for life' and was no longer 'on the brink'. They believe the tiger will breathe normally, and can see well.

Head of WWF-Russia's Amur branch Pavel Fomenko said: 'We came to a very important conclusion that the animal could be returned to the wild. The chance is may be not very big, but it exists. It is based on the fact that the sight of the animal is now satisfactory.'

No progress has been announced in an attempt to identify the poacher who illegally shot the tiger cub. The animal was with its mother and a sibling when it was hit in the Pozharsky district of Primorsky region on 13 January.