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Edmonton Valley Zoo euthanizes Taiga the tiger due to ‘age-related’ health issues

Taiga the tiger — Taiga, a 16-year-old tiger, was euthanized in August 2024 for health reasons, the Edmonton Valley Zoo says. (Courtesy: Facebook/Edmonton Valley Zoo)

By News Staff

Posted August 21, 2024 1:34 pm.

The Edmonton Valley Zoo has euthanized one of its tigers, Taiga, after her health began to “rapidly decline.”

Taiga was a 16-year-old tiger brought to the Edmonton Valley Zoo from northern Ontario as a kitten in 2008. She was euthanized last week.

“Taiga had been experiencing age-related medical concerns in recent months, including decreased mobility due to osteoarthritis and spondylosis, as well as central vision loss,” the zoo wrote in a Facebook post Wednesday.

“She was under close observation and care from both her veterinary and zookeeping teams but despite ongoing and increased treatment, her health began to rapidly decline.”

The zoo’s team hand-reared Taiga and another tiger named Amba. Tigers in captivity can live 20 years and more.

Zoo officials said Taiga was known for her outgoing personality and goofy nature.

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