In a tragic incident, a two-year-old Amur tiger named Mila died at The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado last Friday.
Mila, who was part of a breeding program aimed at saving her endangered species, sustained a fatal spinal injury after falling from a waist-high bench while under anesthesia for dental surgery.
The zoo, located in Colorado Springs, announced the heartbreaking news on Wednesday. According to their report, Mila had peacefully laid down on the bench after receiving anesthesia, but she slipped off less than a minute later, resulting in the lethal injury.
Despite the zoo team’s immediate efforts to provide life-saving treatment for 40 minutes, they were unable to save her.
Bob Chastain, president and CEO of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, spoke about the difficult situation, saying, “These are impossible life-and-death decisions being made in real-time by a team that has dedicated their life to the care of animals.”
Mila was born at the Toronto Zoo in April 2021 and moved to Colorado in March based on a breeding recommendation.
She was the only survivor in her litter and had gained international attention through the zoo’s social media updates.
Her introduction to visitors was postponed due to a severe dental issue that could have led to a fatal infection if not treated.
The zoo had carefully prepared Mila for the dental procedure, training her to receive anesthesia voluntarily. Tragically, the accident occurred as the drugs took effect.
Eric Klaphake, head veterinarian at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, noted that Mila could have fallen off the bench in various ways without injury, highlighting the unpredictability of such events.
Amur tigers are critically endangered, with about 500 remaining in the wild and around 100 in captivity.
The species was nearly extinct in the 1940s and continues to be threatened by poaching and habitat loss.
Reflecting on Mila’s death, Chastain emphasized her importance: “She was not only an internationally beloved individual who defied the odds as a cub and survived to adulthood, but she was also on a mission to save her species.”
Dolf DeJong, CEO of Toronto Zoo, expressed deep sorrow over Mila’s loss, underscoring her impact on the community and her role in inspiring conservation efforts for this endangered species.
Mila’s unexpected death serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges those working to preserve endangered wildlife face.
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