CALGARY – The Calgary Zoo says their 19-year-old Amur tiger Kita passed away on Tuesday.
The animal had shown symptoms of old age in recent years, including arthritis.
Kita first came to the Calgary Zoo in 1999 from the Toronto Zoo.
Officials say the feisty feline was loved by her keepers and by visitors, who could easily recognize her due to her large size and playful nature.
“Kita lived a full and long life and leaves behind an incredible legacy,” says a statement on the Zoo’s website.
In 2000, Kita and tiger Khasam had five cubs named Marilei, Tsamara, Fedor Eh and Katja.
In 2007, she had another cub with tiger Lashka, named Vitali.
Daughter Katja remains at the zoo, and has had three cubs of her own; while Kita’s other children have travelled abroad as far as the Czech Republic.
In total, Kita gave the Amur tiger population five kids, eight grandkids, five great-grandkids, and three great-great-grandkids, residing across North America and Europe.
“Not only was Kita a wonderful member of the zoo’s family, but she was also an incredibly important member of the Amur tiger family worldwide.”
Amur tigers are endangered, with only about 350 left in the wild and about 500 in captive populations.
Kita exceeded the median life expectancy for a female Amur tiger, which is about 14 years.
“While we will miss Kita dearly, we celebrate the long and successful life she led, and the incredible contribution she gave to her species and to those that loved her,” says the Calgary Zoo.
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