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Rare white tiger cub named after dark side ‘Star Wars’ character

This sweet little guy was born on March 6. After his mother didn't attempt to keep him warm, nurse him or respond to his cries, the Texas sanctuary stepped in.

WYLIE, Texas (AP) - A rare white tiger born at an exotic animal sanctuary near Dallas has been named for a Dark Side villain in Star Wars.

Angela Culver with In-Sync Exotics in Wylie said Tuesday that the cub born March 6 has been named Kylo Ren and he's "pretty adorable." She said sanctuary owner Vicky Keahey is a Star Wars fan.

After Kylo's birth, both mother and baby were closely monitored for signs of normal and healthy behavior. While Zahra did clean Kylo off and did not exhibit aggression towards the cub, she did not keep him close for protection or warmth, did not nurse him, nor did she respond to his cries.

After six hours, and at the advice of a USDA veterinarian who specializes in newborn animals, In-Sync Exotics founder Vicky Keahey stepped in to help. Little Kylo Ren is being given specialized around the clock care by Keahey and veterinarian Dr. Emily Wilson.

The cub's parents, Assad and Zahra, were rescued Jan. 18 from an undisclosed location in Texas. Culver said the 280-pound tigers were kept by someone without proper paperwork, so sanctuary officials worked with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department to provide a new home for the big cats.

Culver said the cub will eventually be on display at In-Sync Exotics, a nonprofit dedicated to neglected and abused exotic felines.

This story was written with additional information from CBS Newspath.

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