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Honolulu Zoo Bids Aloha To Two Sumatran Tigers

Chrissie, the female Sumatran tiger and Seattle, the male Sumatran tiger

HONOLULU – It is with great sadness that the Honolulu Zoo announces the passing of Seattle, our 15 year-old male Sumatran tiger, on January 5, 2023 and Chrissie, our 23 year-old female Sumatran tiger, on January 10, 2023 due to progression of kidney disease in both animals.

Honolulu Zoo Director Linda Santos stated that veterinarians, curators and keeper staff made a decision to end suffering for Seattle, who became ill with a Bartonella infection last month. Despite treatment for the infection and supportive care, the infection resulted in significant worsening of his previously diagnosed kidney disease, and he went into acute renal failure. Due to the severity of his illness, he was euthanized under anesthesia. 

Zoo Director Santos explained that Chrissie, meanwhile, was treated for her kidney disease for over 12 years and the zoo team of veterinarians, curators and keeper staff had diligently managed her condition over time to maintain her quality of life. As one of the oldest Sumatran tigers in captivity, her activity and appetite had recently slowed down, and the difficult decision was made to euthanize her before she declined further.

Seattle was born on June 3, 2007 at the Los Angeles Zoo. Despite his advanced age and evidence of ongoing renal insufficiency, he was brought to the Honolulu Zoo on June 9, 2022 from Baton Rouge Zoo as a Sumatran Tiger Species Survival Plan-recommended genetic breeding match for the female tiger, Anala.

“Seattle was a very handsome cat and was responsive to and interactive with staff. He was very athletic and playful and took a strong interest in Anala, the female tiger,” said Santos. 
Chrissie was born on June 24, 1999 at the Smithsonian's National Zoo. In 2008, she had three cubs at the Honolulu Zoo which were transferred to other zoos.  One of her sons, Malosi, went to Florida and had a female cub named Anala, who transferred to Honolulu Zoo in July 2022 and was able to spend time next to Chrissie, her biological grandmother.

“Chrissie was a very smart tiger, participated well with her keepers, and learned very quickly. She was often seen enjoying her pool and was a very good mother to her cubs,” said Santos. “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.”

“It was a very trying and emotional week for our staff as we have lost two of our beloved Sumatran tigers. 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 continued. “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 Honolulu Zoo has one female Sumatran tiger, Anala, and will continue to work with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan to identify breeding opportunities for her.
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.
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