Long-living Sumatran tiger euthanized at Honolulu Zoo

Honolulu: Officials say a female Sumatran tiger at the Honolulu Zoo that is thought to be the longest-living one in captivity has been euthanized at age 25.

Djelita, who turned 25 on March 26, was euthanized yesterday after showing signs of decline, the Honolulu Advertiser reported.
Baird Fleming, the zoo's director, says: "Old age catches up to everyone, even animals, and although Djelita had a long and healthy life at the zoo, she was displaying signs that lead to a unanimous decision that she was ready to move on."

The newspaper reports that Djelita came to the Honolulu Zoo from the San Diego Wild Animal Park in 1992.

Honolulu Zoo has two other Sumatran tigers, a male named Berani and a female named Chrissie. They are 16 years old.

The Star Advertiser reports that life expectancy for Sumatran tigers is about 12 years in the wild and up to 20 years in zoos, according to the zoo.