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Baby tiger 'Covid' brings hope to Mexican zoo

The rare birth of this feisty, resilient little tiger is bringing a glimmer of hope to a private zoo in eastern Mexico.

Meet baby Covid.

The Bengal tiger was born on March 14 to Biozoo, in the city of Cordoba, which specializes in rescuing animals from circuses and exotic private collections.

But he's not nearly as dangerous as the disease which inspired his name.

Named by the family that owns the zoo, daughter Kitzia Rodriguez says baby Covid came as a surprise to everyone.

(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) KITZIA RODRIGUEZ, DAUGHTER OF THE ZOO OWNER AND A VET, SAYING:

"He's going to have a big impact because the situation right now is difficult for everyone, even for us. But I think the birth, in spite of the situation, will help us and gives us hope to carry on, so we can have visitors. Covid was a gift."

The baby tiger was born to an 8-year-old tigress that had been in a circus and was nursed back to health after needing an operation for a hip fracture.

And Kitzia hopes that visitors will be able to visit baby Covid once public life goes back to normal.