A zoo’s tiger has been put to sleep because age-related health problems began to affect his quality of life.
Bagai, an 11-year-old Amur tiger, had been with Marwell Wildlife near Winchester since arriving from Germany in 2013.
The zoo said: “Loved by all who saw him… he always managed to make you smile every day.”
He said staff “made the incredibly difficult decision to euthanize him Monday morning” after “unfortunately his symptoms worsened.”
Carnivore team leader Carrie Arnold said: “He was sweet, goofy and cheeky. He was always playing hide and seek with his keepers and trying to hide behind rocks and plants, not realizing he was bigger than them all.”
He previously fathered three cubs, Makari, Bailla and Zima, at the zoo in 2016 with former partner Milla.
Bagai shared Marwell’s Amur tiger habitat with female tiger Valentina after Milla’s death in 2020
The zoo said: “Valentina and Bagai were a very close couple and could often be seen next to each other. They spent time grooming, playing and sleeping together.
“We will ensure that Valentina is closely monitored in the coming weeks.”
In March the 27 stone (170 kg) tiger had root canal treatment performed after breaking a 9 cm long tooth.
On Wednesday, the zoo turned 19 years old while being treated for a serious dental disease giraffe Makeda died after failing to recover from anesthesia.
Follow BBC South on Facebook, X (Twitter)or Instagram. Send your story ideas to South.newsonline@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2240.
Also see
Related Internet Links
