The Passing of South Korea’s Oldest Baekdusan Tiger
South Korea’s oldest Baekdusan tiger, Hancheong, has passed away. According to a source from the Korea Arboreta and Gardens Institute under the Forest Service, Hancheong, a 20-year-old female, died around 12:22 a.m. on the 6th. She had been residing at the Tiger Forest of the Baekdudaegan National Arboretum (BDNA) in Bonghwa County, North Gyeongsang Province.
Hancheong was born at Seoul Grand Park on May 8, 2005, and moved to the BDNA Tiger Forest on June 29, 2017, where she lived for eight years. Over the years, she showed signs of aging, such as trembling in both front legs, and her activity level and appetite significantly decreased starting in May of this year. Hancheong had unstable breathing since the 4th of this month and passed away two days later.
A Beloved Figure in the Arboretum
Hancheong was beloved by tourists from the early days of the BDNA’s opening due to her gentle personality and stable behavior. Visitors often referred to her as “the matriarch of the arboretum’s Tiger Forest.” Despite her popularity, Hancheong did not leave any offspring. According to a source from the arboretum, the average lifespan of tigers in the wild is 14 to 16 years, and it is rare for tigers under human care to exceed 18 years of age.
Plans for Memorial and Further Research
The BDNA plans to conduct an autopsy to determine the exact cause of Hancheong’s death. Additionally, a memorial space for her will be set up at the Tiger Forest starting on the 7th, allowing visitors to leave messages commemorating her.
Following the death of Duman, a Baekdusan tiger who was also 20 years old, in 2020, and now Hancheong’s passing, there are now a total of five tigers under management at the BDNA Tiger Forest. The remaining tigers include:
- Uri(14 years old, male)
- Han(12 years old, male)
- Do(12 years old, female)
- Taebeom(5 years old, male)
- Mugung(5 years old, female)
The latter two, Taebeom and Mugung, moved from Everland in 2021. All five tigers are reported to be in good health.
Legacy and Impact
Lee Gyu-myung, director of the Baekdudaegan National Arboretum, stated, “Hancheong was a symbolic figure showing how our society has managed and respected endangered wildlife.” He added, “The data left by Hancheong will be a valuable asset for establishing management standards for aging individuals and developing conservation education content.”
Hancheong’s life and passing highlight the importance of wildlife conservation and the challenges faced by aging animals in captivity. Her legacy will continue to inspire efforts in protecting and preserving endangered species.
Conclusion
Hancheong’s death marks the end of an era for the BDNA Tiger Forest. Her long life and gentle nature made her a beloved figure among visitors and staff alike. As the arboretum moves forward, the lessons learned from her life will play a crucial role in shaping future conservation strategies and educational programs. The memorial space for Hancheong will serve as a lasting tribute to her contributions to wildlife preservation and the community she touched.