Jackson Zoo Mourns Tiger Death

Media Release
Published: September 9, 2008
Updated: January 14, 2009

Tuesday morning the Jackson Zoo’s Sumatran tiger, Phoenix, was humanely euthanized. Recent blood work showed aggressive kidney failure and it was determined there was no effective treatment for any meaningful recovery.

“We are all so very saddened by this loss,” said Beth Poff, Zoo Director. “Phoenix was beloved by staff and visitors and he will be missed.”

Phoenix was over 18-years-old. The oldest known Sumatran tiger living in captivity was 22-years-old. In the wild, the average life span for a Sumatran tiger is 15.

Phoenix was born at his namesake, the Phoenix Zoo, in 1990 and he arrived at the Jackson Zoo in 1992.

Phoenix was part of the AZA’s species survival program, and he sired three offspring before coming to the Jackson Zoo.