Kira
In Memoriam
From the Philadelphia Zoo's Facebook post:
"It is with great sadness that we report the decision to euthanize our iconic 17-year-old female Amur tiger Kira yesterday, Tuesday, October 28.
Kira was under veterinary care for age-related joint stiffness beginning in 2011, but after a recent episode of sudden lameness in her front right leg, she was anesthetized for a thorough examination. X-rays of her right elbow revealed severe degenerative changes and evidence of a probable fracture through the abnormal bone at the elbow. Given her advanced age and poor prognosis for a return to a good quality of life, Zoo staff decided to euthanize her following the exam while she was still under anesthesia.
Born at Zoo Leipzig in Germany in 1997, Kira made Philadelphia Zoo her home in 1998; several Zoo staff had the privilege of watching her grow from a cub to mothering many cubs of her own. Kira produced 13 offspring from four litters in her lifetime and has distinctly aided in sustaining the Species Survival Plan population of Amur tigers. She was a favorite among staff and guests and her presence will be greatly missed."
At the Philadelphia Zoo
Please check out my 2012 Zoo Set.
Kira
In Memoriam
From the Philadelphia Zoo's Facebook post:
"It is with great sadness that we report the decision to euthanize our iconic 17-year-old female Amur tiger Kira yesterday, Tuesday, October 28.
Kira was under veterinary care for age-related joint stiffness beginning in 2011, but after a recent episode of sudden lameness in her front right leg, she was anesthetized for a thorough examination. X-rays of her right elbow revealed severe degenerative changes and evidence of a probable fracture through the abnormal bone at the elbow. Given her advanced age and poor prognosis for a return to a good quality of life, Zoo staff decided to euthanize her following the exam while she was still under anesthesia.
Born at Zoo Leipzig in Germany in 1997, Kira made Philadelphia Zoo her home in 1998; several Zoo staff had the privilege of watching her grow from a cub to mothering many cubs of her own. Kira produced 13 offspring from four litters in her lifetime and has distinctly aided in sustaining the Species Survival Plan population of Amur tigers. She was a favorite among staff and guests and her presence will be greatly missed."
At the Philadelphia Zoo
Please check out my 2012 Zoo Set.