Dreamworld’s first tiger cub, Sultan, dies at 17 years old

DREAMWORLD’S favourite feline son, Sultan, was still trying to be a “big impressive” tiger in his final days but in the end his body couldn’t keep up with him.

DREAMWORLD’S favourite feline son, Sultan, was still trying to be a “big impressive” tiger in his final days but in the end his body couldn’t keep up with him.

The 17-year-old bengal tiger, who was part of the first litter born at Dreamworld in 1998, died peacefully last Sunday after battling arthritis.

As the largest tiger at the theme park, Sultan weighed 200kg and completed photo opportunities, public walks and feeding shows. Theme park staff, visitors and Sultan’s fellow four-legged friends were yesterday mourning the loss of the popular animal who left a large paw mark on those around him during his life.

TIGER CUBS BORN AT DREAMWORLD

NEW TIGERS NAMED

Tiger Island manager Patrick Martin-Vegue, who started the attraction in 1995 when he brought Sultan’s father, the late Mohan, to Australia and was a key figure in Sultan’s life, declined to comment on the loss and kept himself busy walking the park’s oldest cub Kai.

Sultan has a play in the water at Dreamworld.

Dreamworld general manager of life sciences Al Mucci said Sultan wasn’t afraid to show off his powerful demeanour to those who visited him.

“I’ve been with Sultan for 10 years and the first time I met Sultan was at a photographic session and he was a very proud tiger,” he said.

“He gave me his proud growl that first time I met him and I thought ‘oh’.

“He was just an impressive tiger.

“Hopefully Sultan made some people better human beings towards these majestic animals.”

Remembering Sultan

VIEW GALLERY

In keeping with Dreamworld tradition, Sultan will be cremated and his ashes will be spread alongside past residents on Tiger Island.

More than 1000 people shared their pictures and memories of Sultan when the news was announced on Dreamworld’s Facebook page on Saturday.

Among them was former senior handler Robbie Doyle who said he still remembered hand-raising the cub and his siblings.

Sultan pictured cool off on a hot Gold Coast day in the Tiger Island pool.

“I still remember playing, wrestling, swimming in the pool, taking hits off the big man at 190kg and doing film shoots at Movie World,” he said.

“He will always be remembered.”

Sultan leaves behind his remaining siblings Rama and Sita who are part of the group of 12 tigers at the theme park including three cubs.

Sultan was taught everything he knows by his late father Mohan. Picture: Dreamworld