20-year-old Malayan tiger euthanized at Baton Rouge zoo

BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — A nearly 21-year-old Malayan tiger at the BREC Baton Rouge Zoo was euthanized on July 15 after being treated for age-related illnesses.

According to Madison Petty, a spokesperson for BREC, Intan was a Malayan tiger who was born on December 23, 2003, at a zoo in Omaha, Nebraska. He was brought to the Baton Rouge Zoo in the fall of 2011 for breeding purposes and fathered a litter of cubs in 2014.

Intan was reported to have health problems common to his species and age. A plan to euthanize Intan was drawn up by the zoo’s animal welfare team and veterinary staff, in the event that his quality of life did not improve.

“According to the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) life expectancy statistics, the average median life expectancy for a Malayan tiger is 16.1 years,” said Baton Rouge Zoo veterinarian Dr. Sean Perry. “Intan lived a long and healthy life, thanks in large part to the professional care and attention of the Baton Rouge Zoo’s animal care and veterinary team.”

Zoo officials said autopsy results are not yet available.

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