Tiger, 11, dies following heart attack

An 11 year old female tiger, Svetli, has died at Longleat Safari Park after suffering a heart attack.

The Amur tiger was given a general anaesthetic as part of a routine health check. The procedure is a vital part of protecting an animals ongoing welfare.

Unfortunately, during the check Svetli suffered a heart attack and the veterinary team were unable to save her.

Longleat’s Head of Safari, Jon Merrington, said: “This is a tragic loss and a cause for great sadness across the entire safari park."

“Her keepers and the veterinary team are all totally devastated by the death of someone they worked and lived with every day.”

Svetli’s sisters Soundari and Shouri, also underwent the same procedure, and have made full recoveries. The three tigers arrived at Longleat back in 2006.