I was saddened to hear of the loss of Zoo Montana's only tiger, Prince. He passed away on March 10th, but I only found out about it earlier this week. I had just seen Prince last fall when my kids and I spent the day at zoo. Unlike my last visit when I didn't even see him, Prince was out this time and walked right by us a few times. He was absolutely beautiful.
Prince was an 18-year-old Amur tiger, which is also known as a Siberian tiger. Apparently, he developed a limp, and when medicine didn't treat it, they did x-rays and discovered he had bone cancer. After waking up from the anesthesia, Prince had trouble breathing and passed away a short time later.
I can only imagine how heartbroken the staff is at Zoo Montana. They said they hope to get a new tiger for their exhibit, but don't have any idea when that will happen.
This photograph below shows how close we got to this amazing animal. He walked right by us. I have seen a lot of tigers at zoos and such, but I had never been as close to a Siberian as I was this time. He was absolutely amazing, and I know I will certainly miss him.
Animals show us such dignity, acceptance and grace as they face sickness and mortality. While I've never had the honor of knowing an animal as majestic and powerful as Prince, over the years have cared for and stayed with many family pets, (cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, gerbils) soothing them as they either died naturally or were put out of their suffering. There's a peace and understanding they model for us as they quietly pass from this life. Yes there are always tears and grieving at the sense of loss of a kindred soul who were part of our own lives, but there is also a poignant lesson in how to let go and say good-bye. Thank you, Rena, for reminding all of us how much all lives touch our own, and how delicate and fleeting it can be, no matter how strong and alive we may be at the height of our lifespan.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your reply, Walter. You wrote it in a much more eloquent way than I ever could. It's so hard to lose a pet. I can't imagine what the zoo handlers are going through. I'd be heartbroken.
DeleteA beautiful animal and a lovely tribute.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bish. Tigers have always been my favorite animal. My bedroom is done up in a tiger theme. If anyone ever gets separated from me at a zoo, they know where to find me!
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