A critically endangered Amur tiger, Mila, passed away following a tragic accident at The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado last Friday.
Mila, a two-year-old tiger brought to the zoo as part of a conservation effort, suffered a fatal spinal injury after falling from a waist-high bench while under anesthesia in preparation for dental surgery.
The zoo, based in Colorado Springs, shared news of Mila’s death on social media on Wednesday. According to the zoo’s statement, Mila had calmly settled on a bench as the anesthetic began to take effect. Less than a minute later, she slipped and sustained a lethal spinal injury.
Despite immediate efforts by the veterinary team to provide life-saving care, the 270-pound tiger could not be revived after 40 minutes of attempted resuscitation.
Mila’s death is particularly heartbreaking given that fewer than 500 Amur tigers remain in the wild, primarily in Siberia.
Bob Chastain, president and CEO of Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, reflected on the difficult situation faced by the zoo’s team: “These are life-and-death decisions made in real-time by a team dedicated to animal care. Do you anesthetize her despite the risks and provide the dental treatment she needs?”
Chastain noted that the team had carefully planned for the procedure and administered the appropriate amount of anesthesia.
“We never take these decisions lightly, and this incident is a tragic reminder of the risks involved,” he added.
Mila was born at the Toronto Zoo in April 2021 and moved to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in March as part of a breeding program.
She was the sole survivor of her litter and had gained a global following through social media.
Her introduction to the public at the Colorado Zoo had been delayed due to a serious dental issue that, if untreated, could have led to a life-threatening infection.
Mila had been trained to receive the anesthesia voluntarily, and the fall occurred moments after the drugs took effect. “She could have fallen differently and been fine,” said Eric Klaphake, the zoo’s lead veterinarian.
Amur tigers, one of the most endangered species on the planet, face severe threats from poaching and habitat loss.
In addition to the approximately 500 tigers left in the wild, fewer than 100 are currently in the care of accredited zoos in North America.
Chastain described Mila as a beloved tiger and a vital part of efforts to preserve her species: “She was here on a mission to save her kind.”
Dolf DeJong, CEO of the Toronto Zoo, added: “Watching Mila grow from a playful cub into a strong, independent adult was an incredible journey for everyone involved. While we are devastated by her loss, her legacy will inspire people to join the fight to protect this endangered species.”
Mila will be deeply missed by those who cared for her and the community that followed her remarkable story.
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