Endangered Species Tiger Dies at National Zoo
Sumatran tiger Soyono, 19, was the mother of seven cubs.
Sumatran tiger Soyono—who, at 19 years old was considered an elderly tiger—was humanely euthanized by veterinarians at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park on Monday morning, according to a zoo statement. Soyono—affectionately known as Soy—began exhibiting common signs of aging in early October, according to the statement. "Keepers noticed that she walked more slowly and seemed to have trouble with her balance. Zoo veterinarians monitored Soy’s health and administered medication to alleviate the symptoms associated with spondylosis—a degenerative disorder of the spine that can create abnormal pressure on the nerves," the statement reported. "Animal care staff made the decision to euthanize Soy when they observed that her health and …
