MAKING it well past her expected median life expectancy of eight to 12 years if she was out in the wild, a female Malayan tiger at the Houston Zoo died on July 29.
Satu was 18 years old and had to be humanely euthanized after her quality of life started to decline.
In a statement, Houston Zoo said the decision to put Satu to sleep was made by the carnivore staff and veterinary team.
The female tiger had developed arthritis in some of her joints.
She received good care as zookeepers did their best to keep her limber with daily stretching, monthly laser acupuncture sessions as well as multi-modal medication therapy to provide pain relief and promote joint health.
Vice president of animal operations at the Houston Zoo Lisa Marie Avendano in the statement said when caring for aging animals, the would first do everything in their power to make sure the animals have a great quality of life.
“We manage their diet and exercise, as well as their medication if necessary. It is never an easy decision to euthanize an animal, but it is one we make with the animal’s well-being as the top priority.
"With world-class animal keepers, five incredible veterinarians, and a complete veterinary clinic, our animals receive the best care possible, and that includes end-of-life decisions," Avendano said.
Three years ago, an adult male Malayan tiger was transferred to the Houston Zoo to be Satu's companion.
Named Berani, the male was brought to the zoo in Texas from the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma, Washington.
The Houston Zoo works with more than 45 partners around the world who protect endangered species, such as the Malayan tiger.
According to their website, they have helped anti-poaching teams completed over 10,000km of patrols in which 325 snares and traps were confiscated and destructed.
The zoo notes that with such long-term protection efforts, the Malayan tiger population in the Endau-Rompin region of Malaysia appears to be stable or slightly increasing.