Published: Friday, February 17, 2012
Seattle zoo euthanizes elderly tiger
SEATTLE -- A Seattle zoo says it has euthanized a 19-year-old male Sumatran tiger whose health had been declining because of age-related kidney failure and liver disease.
Woodland Park Zoo said the tiger named Rakata died Friday.
The zoo said the life expectancy of Sumatran tigers is 18 to 20 years in zoos and 15 years in the wild.
The tiger got a comprehensive health exam earlier this month after zookeepers noticed a sharp decline in his appetite and activity level. A zoo veterinarian, Dr. Kelly Helmick, said the big cat never regained a healthy appetite despite supportive care and treatment.
Woodland Park Zoo said the tiger named Rakata died Friday.
The zoo said the life expectancy of Sumatran tigers is 18 to 20 years in zoos and 15 years in the wild.
The tiger got a comprehensive health exam earlier this month after zookeepers noticed a sharp decline in his appetite and activity level. A zoo veterinarian, Dr. Kelly Helmick, said the big cat never regained a healthy appetite despite supportive care and treatment.
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