Bengal Tiger Cub Dies at Bandung Zoo

RRI.CO.ID, Bandung - The West Java Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BBKSDA) has confirmed the death of an eight-month-old Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) named Hara at the Bandung Zoo, Bandung, West Java.

Spokesperson for the West Java BBKSDA, Eri Mildranaya, confirmed the reports on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, saying that the agency is currently awaiting a comprehensive medical examination. "It is true [the cub has died], but we have not yet received the full results. We expect more details tomorrow following the veterinarian's assessment," Eri said in Bandung, as quoted by Antara.

He added that the agency will conduct a further investigation to determine the exact cause of death. A necropsy, an autopsy performed on an animal, has already been conducted, and the final analysis will be released once the veterinary team completes its process.

Hara was born at Bandung Zoo on July 12, 2025, alongside a sibling named Huru. The cubs were the offspring of a male tiger named Sahrulkan and a female named Jelita.

The Mayor of Bandung, Muhammad Farhan, expressed his deep condolences regarding the loss. “I am very concerned and saddened by this news. This serves as a serious reminder for us to improve our anticipation and care protocols moving forward,” he said in Bandung on Wednesday, March 26, 2026.

Farhan emphasized that the incident must trigger a comprehensive evaluation of wildlife management, particularly concerning the monitoring of infectious diseases. He assured that the central, provincial, and city administration would collaborate to prevent similar occurrences and ensure the ongoing welfare of the zoo's inhabitants. ***