TUCSON, Ariz. — Reid Park Zoo announced Saturday that one of its tigers has died.
Baheem the tiger was 18 years old -- considered geriatric for his species, the zoo said in a blog post.
His health had been declining in recent weeks and recently brought to the zoo's animal care center as his appetite began to decrease. Zoo veterninarians found a number of problems with the animal and decided to euthanize him on Friday.
“Baheem was such a fun tiger to train and care for," Animal Care Supervisor Rebecca Edwards said in a blog post. "He would make chuffing sounds when keepers would greet him in the morning and was always enthusiastic about special treats like bones and popsicles,”
Baheem's companion Sita remains at the zoo, and is also 18 years old, the zoo said.
Reid Park Zoo is very sad to announce the death of Baheem, the 18-year-old Malayan tiger. Baheem’s roars, chuffs, and water-loving antics have always made him a guest favorite. He will be missed tremendously by guests and Zoo staff alike.https://t.co/UP9uPiVdFM
— Reid Park Zoo (@ReidParkZoo) February 1, 2020
