Marwell Zoo announces death of much-loved tiger

Milla, a female Amur tiger, passed away ahead of a routine veterinary procedure to fit a new contraceptive implant, and to have a full health check and vaccinations.

The zoo said that after being placed under general anaesthetic, she stopped breathing and her heart stopped. Despite the best efforts of the vet team she could not be resuscitated.

The 11-year-old had no known underlying health issues but a full post mortem examination will be carried out.

Milla was born at Zlin Zoo in Czech Republic on 17 July 2009 and arrived at Marwell in September 2012.

Her mate Bagai arrived a year later and the pair gave birth to three healthy cubs – Makari, Bailla and Zima – in May 2016 as part of the breeding EAZA Ex situ Programme for endangered species.

Carrie Arnold, Marwell Zoo carnivores team leader, said: ‘Milla was an extremely charismatic animal; beautiful, confident, savvy and knew exactly what she wanted.

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‘She loved laying on her back soaking up the sun. She will be deeply missed by her keepers.’

Amur tigers, found in the Russian far east and north-eastern China, are endangered with less than 500 believed to remain in the wild.

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