On May 14, 2021, it was announced that Diana, a female Siberian tiger at my local zoo, had died during a physical exam at the age of 10. For the exam, Diana had to be anesthetized. There is risk involved with putting animals under anesthesia. She was also an older tiger and had other health issues, as discovered during the exam. There was problems with multiple organs. It is still being determined whether this was the exact cause of death. She was sent to the zoo in 2019. She was part of the Amur Tiger Species Survival Plan and had been placed on a breeding hold. Diana contributed greatly to the survival of her species. She granted many people the opportunity to see a tiger, and how fast they're disappearing from the wilderness. How many different animal species are. She helped many understand and appreciate tigers. And since she had previously been part of breeding projects, she also helped to increase the tiger population in North American zoos. Because of that, I - and I'm sure her wild counterparts, too - are very thankful. Rest in peace, Diana.
