HONOLULU — The Honolulu Zoo euthanized two of its three Sumatran tigers this month due to worsening kidney disease in both animals, Zoo Director Linda Santos announced.

What You Need To Know

  • An infection exacerbated Seattle’s previously diagnosed kidney disease, which resulted in acute renal failure

  • Chrissie, one of the oldest Sumatran tigers in captivity at 23, had been treated for kidney disease for more than 12 years but recently experienced a loss of appetite and activity

  • The Zoo will continue to work with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan to identify breeding opportunities for its remaining Sumatran tiger Anala

  • The Sumatran tiger is one of the smallest species of tigers in the world and are listed as critically endangered by the IUCN

Fifteen-year-old Seattle was euthanized under anesthesia on Jan. 5 after falling ill with Bartonella infection last month. The infection exacerbated Seattle’s previously diagnosed kidney disease, which resulted in acute renal failure.

Seattle was born at the Los Angeles Zoo in 2007 and lived at the Baton Rouge Zoo in Louisiana until being transferred to Honolulu in June in hopes he would breed with the Honolulu Zoo’s female tiger Anala.

“Seattle was a very handsome cat and was responsive to and interactive with staff,” Santos said. “He was very athletic and playful and took a strong interest in Anala, the female tiger.”

Chrissie, one of the oldest Sumatran tigers in captivity at 23, had been treated for kidney disease for more than 12 years but recently experienced a loss of appetite and activity.

Chrissie was born in 1999 at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. While at the Honolulu Zoo in 2008, she gave birth to three cubs, each of which were transferred to other zoos. One of her sons, Malosi, was transferred to Florida, where he sired Anala.

Anala was transferred to Honolulu Zoo in July and was able to spend the last several months with her biological grandmother.

“Chrissie was a very smart tiger, participated well with her keepers, and learned very quickly,” Santos said. “She was often seen enjoying her pool and was a very good mother to her cubs. She was a guest favorite as she actively engaged with her enrichment and worked with staff on behavioral training to allow regular medical checkups and treatments. As a long-time resident, we all have many fond memories of Chrissie and will miss her dearly.”

Santos said the euthanization of the two tigers made for “a very trying and emotional week” for her staff.

“We are happy that Chrissie lived a very long and full life, and Seattle lived to a good age of 15 and a half,” Santos said. “Chronic kidney disease is common in feline species including tigers, and I am very proud of our staff who have worked together and with other zoos and animal care professionals to provide the best welfare, husbandry, and medical care for both Chrissie and Seattle.”  

The Zoo will continue to work with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan to identify breeding opportunities for Anala.

The Sumatran tiger is one of the smallest species of tigers in the world and are listed as critically endangered by the IUCN. Their average life span ranges from 15 to 20 years under care.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii.