TGIF this week can include checking out the San Francisco Zoo's newest and cutest attraction.
On Wednesday the zoo announced its 8-week-old Sumatran tiger cub will go on exhibit starting Friday.
It also released photos that show the still unnamed, 14-pound tiger is growing fast.
Zoo doctors said the cub is now big and strong enough to venture into the outdoor enclosure.
They gave the plan a trial run Wednesday when the cub's mom, Leanne, immediately carried her to a safe spot before they played and explored.
"Leanne was so happy to be outside with her baby, she frolicked just like a cub too," a zoo statement said.
“Providing the cub the opportunity to explore the outside world is a significant step in her development,” zoo curator Corinne MacDonald said. “The cub will build up her strength and confidence watching her mother, Leanne, and she’ll learn from her while navigating her new environment. We are thrilled to finally be able to show our tig
er cub off outside to all of her fans.”
The Sumatran tiger is critically endangered, with a wild population estimated at less than 400. There are 74 Sumatran tigers in captivity in North America at accredited zoos and aquariums.
She was born Feb. 10 and is expected to grow to be between 170 and 240 pounds.
Visitors have been able to catch a glimpse of the cub the past couple weeks in the lion house, but this weekend will be the first time the mom and cub will be able to be in the outdoor exhibit.
The cub's naming rights will be part of the zoo's annual fundraiser, ZooFest, which takes place on May 11.
Photo Credit: Marianne Hale