'He will be deeply missed': Manhattan zoo tiger dies at 17
MANHATTAN (KSNT) - A zoo in northeast Kansas is mourning the loss of one of its resident Malayan tigers this week.
Melissa Kirkwood with the City of Manhattan announced in a press release on Jan. 3 that one of its male Malayan tigers, Hakim, has passed away. The tiger called the Sunset Zoo in Manhattan his home for nine years.
Hakim died of age-related issues as he was suffering from severe arthritis and kidney disease. Kirkwood said he was 17 at the time of his passing.
“Hakim’s life was a testament to the power of education and conservation,” said Head Keeper, Caitlin Kenney. “Our team cared for Hakim with the utmost dedication, providing specialized care and ensuring his final days were filled with comfort and dignity. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Hakim and his brother, Malik, were born on July 30, 2007 at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska. The pair arrived at the Sunset Zoo in 2015 with Malik passing away at 14 in 2021.
"The collaboration between our keeper staff and the Kansas State University Exotic and Zoo Animal Medicine Service program provides the best care possible for all of our animals, but especially monitors and navigates the care we need to provide animals at their later stages of life," said Zoo Director, Scott Shoemaker. "We are very thankful for the compassion and expertise our animals like Hakim are given their entire time with us here at Sunset Zoo."
Malayan tigers are a critically endangered species in the wild, with only about 150 still believed to be in their native habitat. Nearly 60 of the species are in the care of humans within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) networks.
Tammy Karin with Little Leapling Photography provided the above photos of Hakim. You can check out more of her work by clicking here.
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