Two eight-month-old tiger cubs died from panleukopenia virus infection at Bandung Zoo. Mayor Muhammad Farhan expressed deep shock and ordered a comprehensive review of the zoo's management. The city government aims to complete improvements within one month.
Two Sumatran tiger cubs aged eight months died suddenly at Bandung Zoo. The cause was an acute and rapidly spreading panleukopenia virus infection over the past week, according to expert examinations. The incident, reported on Thursday (March 26, 2026), prompted swift action from Bandung City Government. Mayor Muhammad Farhan expressed profound shock. “This is very concerning and an important lesson for us all. Although panleukopenia is a common virus, it has a very high fatality rate in young big cats,” Farhan said at the zoo. He prioritized strengthening the biosecurity system to safeguard animal health. The city plans to collaborate with West Java provincial government, central authorities, and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry for a full management review. “This case must be a turning point to overhaul the management system completely,” Farhan stressed. The zoo has a positive breeding record, including the birth of female tiger Donggala in 2019 from parent Sahrulkan. Farhan confirmed that vaccination and care procedures were followed, but perimeter biosecurity needs significant enhancement. “We remain committed to animal welfare. However, this incident shows that biosecurity, especially at the zoo perimeter, must be significantly improved,” he concluded. The city targets completing management reforms within one month and appointing a legal conservation body as an official partner. Breeding programs for rare species, including West Java endemics, will expand to include release stages.
