Milwaukee County Zoo Mourns Loss Of 'Always A Fighter' Tiger

MILWAUKEE COUNTY, WI—The Milwaukee County Zoo reported Amba, an Amur tiger, was humanely euthanized after experiencing a declining quality of life due to serious health issues, according to a zoo news release.

The median life expectancy for female Amur tigers in human care is 14.3 years.

Recently, the 17-year-old tiger had a re-occurrence of cancer on her spine. In 2017, Zoo veterinarians removed a cancerous lump from her spine. The veterinary team was not able to excise the entire lump because it was so widespread and near the spinal column, according to a Milwaukee County Zoo news release.

After the surgery, her prognosis was guarded, she went on to live comfortably for another 3 ½ years.

As Amba lived with the diagnosis, she was getting spoiled by her keepers, which included extra treats and enrichment and even a new bed.

Zookeepers were closely monitoring Amba, and as her quality of life deteriorated, the decision was made for humane euthanasia.

"Keepers comment and remember Amba as being a wonderful animal to work with, displaying excellent maternal care and attentiveness to all her cubs.

Amba was a favorite of every keeper that worked in Big Cat Country. She always greeted everyone with a chuff (welcome greeting) and all of her attention. Keepers say Amba was a “once in a career” type of cat.

She always seemed eager to participate in whatever the keepers asked of her; allowing keepers to be with her cubs from the beginning and helping her when they were sick. She overcame multiple health issues to live past her life expectancy. She was always a fighter and always proving to keepers why she should never be underestimated.

She taught staff so much about what it meant to be a tiger keeper, and what was possible if her caregivers just had a little trust in her too. She was considered the matriarch of Big Cat Country and will be greatly missed by her longtime keepers and visitors," the release said.

About Amba

Amba arrived at the Milwaukee County Zoo in 2006 from the Buffalo Zoo (she was born at the Philadelphia Zoo in 2003) and had her first offspring here in 2009; two females Tula and Nuri. Recommended to move for conservation and breeding purposes, Nuri was relocated to Mesker Park in Evansville, Indiana, a zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), according to the release.

In 2016, Amba gave birth to three cubs, male, Kashtan, and females, Eloise and Bernadette. Kashtan remains at the Zoo while Eloise and Bernadette were recommended to move to the Oregon Zoo, the release said.