Siberian tiger Leela passed away

Unfortunately, we had to decide to put Siberian tiger Leela, to sleep. She lived to be 17 years old.

Last weekend, caregivers noticed that Leela suddenly could no longer stand on one of her hind legs. The veterinarian was called in and after Leela was sedated, pictures could be taken. These showed deformities and abnormalities of the intervertebral discs.

Unfortunately, even with intensive treatment, this could not be cured, and given her advanced age, there was no prospect of improving the situation. Therefore, the veterinarian decided to put her to sleep. Tigers live about 12 to 15 years in the wild and rarely exceed 18 in zoos.

Leela was born together with her brother Bart in 2004 in a zoo in Italy. After spending years at Safaripark Beekse Bergen, both animals came to the new enclosure at ZooParc Overloon in 2016 on the advice of the coordinator of the management program for Siberian tigers.

Her twin brother Bart will remain alone for the time being. This will not be a problem since Siberian tigers are solitary animals that also live alone in the wild. Of course, the keepers will keep a close eye on him and continue monitoring his health to ensure that he can enjoy his old age in ZooParc.

Leela downstairs, above her brother Bart.