A 20-year-old male Amur tiger, recognized as the oldest of its species in Japan, has died at a zoo in Fukuoka City, according to the city government. The incident occurred in late May 2026, drawing attention from wildlife conservation circles.
The Amur tiger, also known as the Siberian tiger, is a critically endangered species in the wild. The individual had been cared for at Fukuoka Zoo for many years and lived well beyond the species' average life span of 15 to 18 years in captivity.
The exact cause of death has not been disclosed in detail, but advanced age was a key factor. Experts believe that specialized care helped prolong the tiger's life, making it a symbol of conservation efforts for the rare Amur tiger in Japan.
