Honolulu Zoo Says Aloha to 17-Year-Old Endangered Sumatran Tiger

Sniff! Bye, bye Berani.

By Robbie Dingeman

Photo: Bryan Thompson

Honolulu Zoo officials said they made the difficult decision this week (Aug. 14) to euthanize the male tiger because of his deteriorating health.

Berani, who was born at the Phoenix Zoo on Sept. 4, 1999, moved to the Honolulu Zoo in November 2005. He is survived by many offspring. Sumatran tigers are considered critically endangered, with fewer than 500 alive, and about 200 of those living in zoos across the globe as part of a worldwide conservation effort.

The median life expectancy of Sumatran tigers in zoos is 18.4 years and about 12 years in the wild. The Honolulu Zoo is still home to Chrissie, a female Sumatran tiger.

Last year, Honolulu Zoo said goodbye to Djelita, who held the Guinness World Record as the oldest living tiger in captivity at more than 25 years in age.