SEATTLE — Woodland Park Zoo visitors, staff and volunteers are going to miss seeing one of the zoo’s most popular animals, Sig, the zoo’s last surviving male Sumatran tiger. Yesterday, zoo veterinarians euthanized the 19-year-old tiger, following a series of medical problems over the last six years.

The endangered tiger was captive-born in Berlin and was transferred to Woodland Park from San Diego Wild Animal Park in 1990. Sig’s death leaves only one tiger remaining at Woodland Park, his mate, Judie. Tigers live about 18 to 20 years in captivity.

"We decided to sedate Sig yesterday to find out why he lacked an appetite and was lethargic during the last week," explained zoo senior veterinarian Dr. Janis Joslin. The examination showed Sig had lost a significant amount of weight and was dehydrated. "Given his age and medical condition, it was more humane to euthanize him at this time," added Dr. Joslin.

Further examination revealed massive fluid in the belly, a thyroid mass and a pancreatic mass. A possible tumor was also discovered, but cannot be confirmed until pathology results arrive. "Sig also suffered from chronic kidney stones, spinal arthritis and arthritis in the hip," said Dr. Joslin.

Sig shared the tiger grotto with 17-year-old mate Judie, with whom he sired one female cub in 1992. Their offspring now lives at Cameron Park Zoo in Texas. In addition to the cub here, Sig contributed genetically to the Sumatran tiger Species Survival Plan (SSP) by siring four other litters elsewhere.

For zoo keepers, the tiger’s death is a difficult loss. "Sig was a magnificent tiger with whom I had a special relationship," lamented zoo keeper Dana Wooster. "There are no words to describe his wonderful personality. Sig will always have a place in my heart." According to Wooster, Sig and mate Judie were extremely fond of one another.

Woodland Park has notified the Sumatran tiger SSP of Sig’s death. Zoo mammal curator Lee Werle noted that the SSP will make recommendations for our future collection involvement. "At this time, it is our desire to continue to work with this subspecies," said Werle.

SSPs are cooperative breeding programs among North American zoos to manage and expand the captive populations of endangered species, while ensuring genetic diversity and demographic stability.

The Sumatran tiger is found only on the island of Sumatra. All five remaining tiger subspecies, including the Sumatran, are highly endangered. Today, it is estimated that only 6,000 to 8,000 tigers remain in the wild. Of this number, about 300 to 400 Sumatran tigers exist. The reasons for the decimation of wild tigers are habitat destruction, overpopulation, and the high demand for tiger bones and other body parts used in traditional Asian medicines.

As their populations decline to this dangerously low number, the survival of tigers in the wild is very questionable and in serious jeopardy.