Clean bill of health for Perth Zoo tiger

One of Perth Zoo's Sumatran tigers has had a check-up - and needed five vets and six handlers to carry out the tests.

Sumatran Tiger Dumai receives a health check at Perth Zoo

Sumatran Tiger Dumai has returned a clean bill of health during a check up at Perth Zoo. (AAP)

Think you have had a tough day at work? Then spare a thought for the five vets and six zookeepers who were needed to give one of Perth Zoo's Sumatran tigers a health check-up.

The Sumatran Tiger Dumai weighs in at a healthy 105.6kg, and needed checks on his teeth, claws, x-rays and bloods tests.

Simone Vitali, Perth Zoo's senior veterinarian, said Dumai looks to be in excellent health.

"He is a beautiful healthy male with a lovely nature and, in spite of his size, he is friendly and easy to work with," Dr Vitali said.

The 10-year-old male, who was born in Germany, is one of three critically endangered Sumatran Tigers living at Perth Zoo.

He shares his home with a 13-year old female Sumatran Tiger, Setia, who was born at Perth Zoo, and her son, five-year old Jaya.

Sumatran Tigers are on the brink of extinction with less than 400 estimated to be left in the wild.

Dumai will celebrate his 11th birthday on April 4.


1 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Watch now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world