17-year-old tiger at Franklin Park Zoo dies of kidney failure

The last remaining tiger at the Franklin Park Zoo died Monday of an “irreversible disease”, officials said.

Anala, 17, was diagnosed with kidney failure in October, which is not uncommon for a geriatric cat, the New England Zoo said in a statement. In recent days, the tigress’ health has declined and she was humanely euthanized for quality of life reasons.

“We all loved Anala and will miss her very much,” Chris Bartos, assistant curator at Franklin Park Zoo, said in a statement. “Although this is sad news to share, we are reassured to know that Anala has inspired and brought so much joy to so many of our visitors over the years.”

As cubs, Anala and another tiger were rescued by the US Fish and Wildlife Service from a wildlife sanctuary that was trying to sell them illegally. They were brought to the Franklin Park Zoo in 2006, the first time tigers have been exhibited at the zoo in 30 years.

“[Anala] lived at the Franklin Park Zoo for most of his life and had an incredible presence,” said John Linehan, president and CEO of Zoo New England in a statement. “In the many years she has lived here, her story has helped us teach so many about the illegal wildlife trade, the human exploitation of tigers and the importance of protecting and preserving the incredible biodiversity. of our planet.”

The New England Zoo noted that its Tiger Tales habitat will remain empty for the foreseeable future.