Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – In response to public concern over the death of a Sumatran tiger cub (Panthera tigris sumatrae) at the Kinantan Wildlife and Cultural Park (TMSBK) in Bukittinggi, the Ministry of Forestry, through the Directorate General of Natural Resources and Ecosystem Conservation (KSDAE), clarified that the incident was not solely due to malnutrition.
Director General of KSDAE, Satyawan Pudyatmoko, stated that based on field observations, breeding history, and necropsy results, there are strong indications of genetic abnormalities and maternal behavior issues contributing to the death.
“The mother tiger attempted to reject her cub, as reflected in her refusal to nurse and care for it,” he said in an official statement on Friday (July 2, 2025).
Satyawan explained that such conditions can occur in the wild, typically due to genetic defects or maternal stress.
This situation also raises the suspicion of hereditary genetic disorders inherited from the maternal line (Sean).
“In Yani the tiger’s case, according to the medical team and keepers, efforts were made to provide supplementary feeding and evacuation, but they were unsuccessful. What needs deeper investigation is the root cause—namely the mother’s refusal to nurse,” he added.
As a follow-up, Satyawan said that the Ministry of Forestry, through the KSDA Regional Office and the TMSBK veterinary team, will conduct genetic testing on the mother and her offspring to validate the suspected hereditary disorder.
In addition, a study on maternal behavior will be carried out to anticipate rejection patterns in future breeding programs. The ministry will also conduct a comprehensive evaluation of care standards, nutrition, and stress management in tiger enclosures.
Satyawan emphasized that the Ministry of Forestry remains committed to the conservation of Sumatran tigers as a priority species, while ensuring animal welfare and preserving the genetic purity of the population.
“Each incident is an important evaluation to improve future handling,” he concluded. (*)
