Cheongju Zoo's female tiger 'Husun' dies at 20

Cheongju Zoo has euthanized "Husun," a 20-year-old female Siberian tiger, after she fell ill. The zoo announced on July 9 that Husun was put down on the night of July 3 after losing consciousness due to illness. Veterinarians administered euthanasia medication, described as the most difficult but final act of kindness for an animal in prolonged suffering.

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Euthanasia is the most disliked and difficult task for a veterinarian, but it is also the last thing that can be done for an animal left only with pain.

Husun had shown signs of distress, including stumbling on her hind legs on July 1 and exhibiting difficulties with urination and walking on July 2. The zoo had prepared for treatment, including spinal decompression surgery, in consultation with veterinarians from Daejeon and Bucheon. However, Husun's condition rapidly deteriorated, developing bedsores while under anesthesia, leading the medical team to conclude that even a successful surgery would not guarantee healing.

Husun was born at Cheongju Zoo on July 3, 2006. She was known for her larger size and the fierce demeanor characteristic of Siberian tigers, unlike her sister "Iho," who was hand-raised and more accustomed to humans. Husun's male companion, "Hobum," died of old age in April 2023. With Husun's passing, Cheongju Zoo is now without any tigers.

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We think it is fortunate that she left without enduring the entire difficult summer.

The zoo plans to honor Husun by placing a memorial plaque in its remembrance hall, a space dedicated to animals that have passed away. Her sister Iho's plaque is also located there. Kim Jeong-ho, head of the veterinary and animal care team at Cheongju Zoo, stated that while the zoo is currently not considering acquiring new tigers, they will commemorate Husun's presence.

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Iho had been raised by human hands from birth and was friendly, but Husun was raised on her mother's milk for several weeks and had a wild nature.