The Sumatran tiger is a critically endangered species with less than 500 remaining in their native habitat
Last weekend, the Toronto Zoo said goodbye to Hari, a 17-year-old critically endangered male Sumatran tiger.
In a statement, the zoo said the “compassionate decision” was made to euthanize the big cat on Feb. 14 after his kidney function declined.
Hari was considered a geriatric tiger and lived beyond the average 15-year lifespan of Sumatran tigers in the wild, the zoo said.
Kidney failure is difficult to manage in large cats and affects their energy levels, appetite and overall organ function, according to the zoo. Hari was under close veterinary observation and had a quality of life assessment done before the euthanasia decision was made.
“Euthanasia is one of the most difficult, yet most compassionate, decisions we face in caring for the more than 3,000 animals at your Toronto Zoo,” the zoo said. “It is not a default response or last resort, but a carefully considered medical decision grounded in science, ethics, empathy, and love for the animals in our care.”
A postmortem confirmed the tiger had kidney disease and additional abnormalities suggestive of cancer, the zoo added.
Hari arrived in Toronto in 2011 from the San Diego Zoo. He spent his time in an enclosure in the Toronto Zoo’s Indo-Malaya Pavillion and was known for his laid-back demeanour, love of food and his barrels, which the zoo said he would often drag around and even bring to bed with him.
Hari with a barrel at the Toronto Zoo. | Supplied: Toronto Zoo
“With his stunning looks and unmistakable presence, Hari truly embodied the beauty of the Sumatran tiger,” the zoo said.
But Hari was more than just a striking presence, he was part of a globally managed conservation breeding program focused on sustaining his species, which is critically endangered in the wild.
Less than 500 Sumatran tigers remain in their native Indonesian habitat. The zoo said throughout Hari’s life, he served as an ambassador of his species, connecting guests to the reality facing Sumatran tigers.
Members of Toronto Zoo’s wildlife care team have travelled to Sumatra, Indonesia to support conservation efforts with the Sumatran Ranger Project. The zoo said the initiative helps protect the endangered species by removing snares, preventing human-wildlife contact, collecting data and supporting sustainable solutions.
The zoo said Hari’s life mattered not only to those who care for him, but also to broader conservation efforts.
“His loss is deeply felt by our staff, volunteers, and the community who came to know him,” the zoo said.
Toronto Zoo also recently experienced the sudden death of another one of its animals. The beloved 13-year-old Masai giraffe, Kiko, suffered cardiac failure brought on by exertion after his head became trapped in a door. The zoo said the routine move was one that staff had done “thousands of times without incident.”
The Toronto Zoo said it is reviewing staff training documents and conducting an internal safety review of all animal habitat retrofits in light of Kiko’s accident.