Point Defiance Zoo Tiger Dies After Breeding Attempt Goes Wrong

TACOMA, WA — The Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is mourning the death of one of their tigers, who died after suffering heavy wounds in a failed breeding introduction.

The zoo on Monday reported the death of the six-year-old Sumatran tiger Kirana. Kirana was injured by the two-year-old male tiger Raja, after zookeepers introduced a two in the hopes of breeding a child to support their endangered species. Despite precautions, the encounter turned into an attack, which caused Kirana "substantial trauma from injuries" and a bacterial infection, which together proved fatal for the tiger, the zoo reported.

Zookeepers say they are heartbroken over the death. Many had cared for Kirana since she was a cub.

“We’re devastated by the loss of a very special tiger and by the loss to the tiger population as a whole,” said Dr. Goodrowe, a coordinator for the zoo's survival program.

According to the zoo's report, zookeepers had followed necessary precautions before introducing Kirana and Raja, working with both over several months to slowly familiarize them with each other. The two had been allowed to see and smell each other, but were kept physically separated until they showed signs of attraction and physical comfort.

Once Kirana was in estrus, keepers removed the barriers and joined the tigers together, at which point they began to fight.

“When tigers breed, it’s natural for them to spar with each other and there is typically some level of aggression,” Dr. Goodrowe said. “This level of aggression was far beyond what we would expect with tiger introductions.”

The zoo says the keepers quickly noticed something was wrong, and separated the two. Kirana was then taken for treatment and provided supportive care. By Sunday, it appeared she would pull through.

“She was improving bit by bit, and we were cautiously optimistic that she would pull through,” said Dr. Karen Wolf, the zoo’s head veterinarian.

Unfortunately, Kirana passed away shortly afterwards. She is survived by Raja and the zoo's three other Sumatran tigers, Bandar, Kali and Indah.

“The loss of Kirana is a tragedy for our zoo family, our community, and our world,” said Point Defiance Zoo Director Alan Varsik. “With just a few Sumatran tigers left on this earth, we need to do everything we possibly can to help them survive.”

The zoo has successfully introduced four Sumatran tiger pairs since 2010 and is one of just 14 North American zoos that is accredited and received recommendations from the Species Survival Plan, which breeds endangered Sumatran tigers. As few as 400 Sumatran tigers remain in the wild. 77 live in North American zoos.