A 15-year-old female Sumatran tiger named Baha was mauled to death by a male tiger named Mohan Feb. 10 during a mating attempt at California's Sacramento Zoo. Zookeepers said it was the first time both tigers met physically, according to CNN.
Baha had been a resident of the zoo since 2002, while Mohan was brought in from Tennessee's Memphis Zoo in December specifically for mating purposes. It was hopeful that the two would mate, contributing to the survival of their species, according to Inquisitr. It was not until earlier this month that the tigers were put together. Mohan became very aggressive during the mating attempt, which resulted in Baha's death. The male tiger's aggressive behavior took zoo officials by surprise as he had mated successfully with other females before. Baha was also successful with mating with prior male tigers as well.
"Baha and Mohan were together for about two minutes before the aggressive behavior began," according to a Sacramento Zoo press release. Both tigers were slowly introduced to one another, interacting with one another with the protection of a mesh fence. The zoo also alternated their occupancy, so that they would become familiar with each others scent, according to the Examiner.
"Based on those observations, they determined that the two tigers were ready to be physically introduced to each other," said the zoo's CEO Kyle Burks. "Aggression between tigers is rare," he said, adding that "it does occur between tigers in captivity."
Staff members monitored the interaction and were prepared with tools such as a water hose and fire extinguishers to separate the animals from one another. Once Mohan was secured away, the veterinarians ran to Baha's aide, but she had already died, according to officials, reported Newsmax.
"We are truly devastated at the passing of Baha," said Matt McKim, the zoo's animal collection director. "Not only was she a wonderful ambassador and a truly attentive mother, she was a one-of-a-kind tiger that inspired many."
