Amur tiger and visitors at Korkeasaari. Photo: Annika Sorjonen / Korkeasaari Zoo
- Next Article Top earners in Finland to benefit from sharp cut in marginal tax rate
Helsinki’s Korkeasaari Zoo has euthanised a nearly 13-year-old male Amur tiger, citing conservation and breeding needs as the primary reason for the decision.
The tiger, named Tamur, had lived at the zoo for 11 years. According to a Facebook post released by the zoo, Tamur’s removal was necessary to prepare for the arrival of a new, younger male tiger from Germany. The new tiger has been selected as a future mate for Odeya, Tamur’s daughter, who is now reaching reproductive age.
“Tamur was euthanised so that he could remain the master of his territory until the end, and to allow the young male to start his independent life peacefully,” the zoo wrote in a public statement.
In the wild, male tigers of different generations would fight for territory and access to females. The zoo explained that replicating such natural dominance struggles in captivity would be harmful to the animals’ well-being.
Korkeasaari said it aims to maintain genetically viable populations of endangered species. The current population of Amur tigers in European zoos includes a high number of ageing individuals that are no longer expected to breed. This has led to fewer cubs being born and a distorted age structure within the captive population.
The decision to euthanise Tamur has received some criticism from the public. Several commenters on social media questioned why the older animal had to be put down to accommodate a younger one. In response, Korkeasaari emphasised that keeping two adult males in the same enclosure would not be feasible. The new male is already of breeding age and cannot share space with his father or siblings.
The zoo stated that by giving the new male time to settle in before being introduced to Odeya, the chances of successful breeding will improve.
“Although animals live longer in zoos than in the wild, fewer offspring are born, leading to an unsustainable age imbalance. This threatens the survival of the species, and correcting this is one of the core conservation roles of modern zoos,” the statement said.
Tamur’s skeleton will be preserved in the collections of the Finnish Museum of Natural History. Before that, his remains will be examined by a pathologist at the University Veterinary Hospital to gather more information about his health.
Amur tigers, also known as Siberian tigers, are listed as critically endangered. Conservation efforts rely heavily on managed breeding programmes to ensure the survival of the species.
HT
- Next Article Top earners in Finland to benefit from sharp cut in marginal tax rate
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
