BOISE - Zoo Boise announced Thursday that Katarina, a 14-year-old Amur tiger, had to be euthanized after further complications from a back injury she suffered last year.
Katarina underwent spinal surgery in October after a herniated disc caused paralysis of her hind legs. During the surgery, veterinary staff removed material that was compressing Katarina's spinal cord.
The zoo said Katarina showed signs of improvement in the months after the surgery and slowly regained mobility in her hind legs. The tiger returned to her exhibit in January.
In recent days, however, Katarina's ability to walk and move around her exhibit took a turn for the worse. Veterinarians determined that it was too risky to operate on Katarina. It was especially risky at 14 years old, which the zoo said is around the mean life expectancy for female Amur tigers in zoos.
The zoo said tigers typically live 10 to 15 years in the wild.
“This is a sad day for everyone who had the chance to meet this majestic creature,” said Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway. “Katarina was truly a member of our family and we will miss her.”
Officials said zoo staff will work with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Species Survival Program to determine the best options for bringing another tiger to Zoo Boise.
