Banham Zoo keepers 'heartbroken' after tiger dies during routine operation
Keepers at Banham Zoo in Norfolk have spoken of their "heartbreak" after a tiger died during a routine operation.
The Amur Tiger called Sveta, who was aged 11, died under anaesthetic during a routine contraceptive implant operation on June 24.
A post mortem has shown her death may have been caused by a heart defect.
The Amur Tiger is an endangered species, and Sveta, who had successfully given birth to two cubs in 2013, had been part of a breeding programme to ensure its survival.
The cubs were fathered by Sveta's Amur tiger mate Kuzma, who has been on loan at Knowsley Safari Park near Liverpool since August 2019 but is due to return to Banham next week.
Gary Batters, Joint Managing Director, Zoological Society of East Anglia, said: “Sveta was a beautiful and much loved part of our zoo community and her sudden death is heartbreaking for the keepers who’ve worked tirelessly during Covid-19 to care for all our animals. She will be greatly missed.
“It is especially sad that Sveta’s mate, Kuzma, when he returns, will not have the reunion with Sveta which we had all wished for.”
Banham Zoo will reopen to the public on July 4.