Rome, May 7 – The Rome Biopark is mourning the loss of Tila, a 15-year-old Sumatran tiger, who passed away due to an aggressive tumor. The announcement was made by Paola Palanza, president of the zoological garden, who stated that the “very aggressive tumor” left Tila with “no escape.”
Tila’s Final Weeks and Diagnosis
In recent weeks, Tila had shown signs of malaise, prompting examinations and diagnostic tests by the Biopark’s veterinarians. These tests confirmed the presence of a “carcinoma with an unfavorable prognosis.” Tila’s death marks a significant loss for the Biopark and for the European ex-situ conservation programs she was a part of.
A New Arrival Amidst Sadness
Despite the somber news, the Biopark also celebrated a new arrival last week: a young Bennett’s wallaby, one of the smallest representatives of this unique group of marsupials, was born. This new life offers a glimmer of hope amidst the sadness of Tila’s passing.
Tila’s Journey to Rome and Her Family
Tila was born at Chester Zoo and arrived in Rome in 2015 as part of the European ex-situ conservation programs promoted by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). These programs are dedicated to species at high risk of extinction. Tila belonged to the subspecies Panthera tigris sumatrae, one of the rarest tigers in the world. Along with the male Kasih and their daughter Kala, who was born at the Biopark in December 2023, Tila was an integral part of the species’ protection program.
The Plight of the Sumatran Tiger
The Biopark emphasizes that the Sumatran tiger has suffered a severe decline in the tropical forests of the Indonesian island of Sumatra over the years. Less than 400 specimens survive in the wild, making it a critically endangered species. The primary threats to the species include habitat destruction, driven by the conversion of forests into agricultural areas and palm oil and rubber plantations. Poaching also poses a significant danger, as tigers are illegally hunted for their fur, as trophies, and for use in traditional Chinese medicine.
Conservation Efforts and Future Outlook
The European ex-situ conservation programs, in which Tila played a vital role, aim to maintain a healthy and genetically diverse population of Sumatran tigers outside their natural habitat. These efforts are crucial for the long-term survival of the species, as they provide a safety net against extinction in the wild. The Rome Biopark continues its commitment to these programs, striving to raise awareness and support for the conservation of endangered species like the Sumatran tiger.
The loss of Tila is a poignant reminder of the fragility of wildlife and the ongoing challenges faced by conservationists worldwide. Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire efforts to protect her magnificent species for future generations.
