ZOO ATTEMPT:
Memphis sent cat for ‘species survival’
Former Memphis tiger kills intended mate.
Officials at the Sacramento Zoo in California are mourning the loss of Baha, a Sumatran tiger killed by a male tiger sent from Memphis to mate with her.
Baha died Wednesday morning from injuries caused when Mohan, the male tiger, attacked her during their first physical introduction, according to a statement from the Sacramento Zoo. Staff monitored the interaction and worked to separate the pair when Mohan became violent, but she died as veterinarians rushed to help. They attempted to resuscitate her but were unsuccessful, the statement said.
“We are truly devastated at the passing of Baha” said Matt McKim, animal collection director at the Sacramento Zoo. “Not only was she a wonderful ambassador and a truly attentive mother, she was also a one-of-a-kind tiger that in-
spired many.”
Prior to their face-toface meeting, the pair had visual interactions. Their behavior indicated they were ready to meet, the Sacramento Zoo said. The Memphis Zoo was not part of the introduction process.
Mohan, 11, moved to the Memphis Zoo in 2006, but in December he was sent to California to participate in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ “Species Survival Program,” which focuses on creating geneti- cally diverse populations by pairing animals across t he country. Ba ha, 1 5, moved to the Sacramento Zoo in 2002 and gave birth to five cubs with three partners, the zoo said.
Mohan had never sired a cub, said Laura Doty, marketing and communications manager at the Memphis Zoo.
“We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to our colleagues and friends during this tragic time,” Doty said. “This is all still very new and very raw for our colleagues.”
Mohan is “off exhibit until further notice,” said Tonja Candelaria, public relations coordinator at the Sacramento Zoological Association. He is being monitored by zookeepers and veterinarians, she said.
He will remain in Sacramento until officials from both the Memphis and Sacramento zoos and a species survival coordinator decide what will happen next, Candelaria said.
“We’re still evaluating what happened and determining what the next step will be for him,” she said.
Today less than 500 Sumatran tigers exist in the wild, and just 200 live in zoos throughout the world.