URUMQI, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- More than 30 wild animals, including an endangered Siberian tiger, are starving at a debt-ridden zoo in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

    The privately-run Kuytun City Zoo is facing a financial crisis as very few people are visiting the northern outback of Xinjiang in the bitter winter, when the mercury falls below zero even at midday.

    Life is particularly tough for Siberian tiger San Mao, African lion Dong Dong, brown bear Tian Tian, and 30 other wild animals and birds who suffer cold and hunger, zoo managers told Xinhua Tuesday.

    The zoo has had difficulties in making ends meet shortly after it opened to the public in May 2005.

    Located in the outlying Kazak Autonomous Prefecture of Ili in the far north, the zoo is largely unfrequented for eight months of the year. Even in the prime time for traveling in summer and early autumn, it receives no more than 50 people on a weekday. Entry costs only 10 yuan (1.3 U.S. dollars).

    The zoo's ticket revenues often fall short of its operating costs as the animals' food alone costs at least 15,000 yuan (1,923 dollars) a month.

    This week, a newly opened supermarket in Kuytun donated 2,000 yuan (256 dollars) worth of chicken, beef and mutton to the zoo. "We hope more people will lend a helping hand," said Cai Guocheng, manager of Red Flag Supermarket.

    Cai has set up a donation box in his store encouraging the customers to chip in.