A zoo’s tiger has been put to sleep after age-related health problems began affecting 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.”
It said staff “made the incredibly difficult decision to euthanize him on Monday morning” after “his symptoms unfortunately 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 (170kg) tiger underwent a root canal treatment after breaking a 9cm-long tooth.
On Wednesday, the zoo’s 19-year-old giraffe Makeda died while being treated for a serious dental disease after failing to recover from anesthesia.
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