{"id":21206,"date":"2025-05-23T21:51:42","date_gmt":"2025-05-24T02:51:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/chicago\/?p=21206"},"modified":"2025-05-23T21:51:42","modified_gmt":"2025-05-24T02:51:42","slug":"brookfield-zoos-amur-tiger-euthanized-due-to-health-issues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/chicago\/2025\/05\/23\/brookfield-zoos-amur-tiger-euthanized-due-to-health-issues\/","title":{"rendered":"Brookfield Zoo’s Amur Tiger Euthanized Due to Health Issues"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction to Malena’s Story<\/h2>\n

Brookfield Zoo announced that one of its Amur tigers, Malena, was humanely euthanized this week due to life-threatening health issues. Animal care specialists noticed changes in Malena\u2019s appetite and energy levels and quickly called veterinary experts to evaluate her health. During an examination, veterinarians found that her kidneys were not functioning properly, which \u201cled to life-threatening heart arrhythmias,\u201d zoo officials said.<\/p>\n

The Decision to Euthanize<\/h2>\n

Because of the severity of her condition, the veterinarian made the decision to humanely euthanize Malena, zoo officials said. \u201cPreliminary necropsy results suggest that a cancerous process was preventing Malena\u2019s kidneys from functioning properly,\u201d the zoo said in a statement Friday.<\/p>\n

Malena’s Health Issues<\/h2>\n

Brookfield Zoo specialists noticed changes in Malena\u2019s appetite and energy levels. They determined her kidneys were not functioning properly, which led to life-threatening heart arrhythmias.<\/p>\n

Remembering Malena<\/h2>\n

Malena joined the zoo in 2020 and \u201cquickly captured the hearts of guests and staff alike,\u201d the zoo said. She was the first Amur tiger in North America to successfully undergo a hip replacement. She formed a special bond with her caregivers and was known for her calm strength and majestic presence. One of the things Malena\u2019s animal care team will miss the most about her is being greeted by her \u201csinging\u201d and chuffing each morning, as well as her adoration for her beds. Relatably, they recall that she wasn\u2019t much of a \u201cmorning cat.\u201d
\n\u201cMalena\u2019s loss is deeply felt by all of us: our staff, volunteers, and the many guests who were moved by her quiet grace and beauty. She truly left a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to see her,\u201d the zoo said.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

The loss of Malena is a significant one for Brookfield Zoo and all who had the chance to experience her beauty and grace. Her memory will live on through the countless lives she touched and the lessons she taught about the importance of compassion, care, and the human-animal bond.<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n