The Incident at Denver Zoo

The Denver Zoo did not experience a tiger death. The incident you are referring to occurred at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, not the Denver Zoo. On August 31, 2023, a 2-year-old Amur tiger named Mila died at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo due to a freak accident during a routine dental procedure.

What Happened to Mila the Tiger?

Mila was being prepared for a dental surgery to address a severe dental issue when she voluntarily received an injection of initial anesthesia. She then jumped up on a bench to lie down while the anesthetic took effect. Unfortunately, she slipped off the waist-high bench, causing a fatal spinal injury.

The Zoo’s Response

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo responded with sadness and regret. The zoo’s team had been working closely with Mila to help her adjust to her new surroundings and had been preparing her for the dental procedure. After the accident, the zoo staff quickly entered her den and tried to give her life-saving care for 40 minutes, but unfortunately, she could not be saved.

The zoo emphasized that they take decisions to anesthetize animals for procedures very seriously and that this was a tragic example of why such decisions are never taken lightly. They also acknowledged that despite their best efforts, accidents can still happen.

Mila’s Significance

Mila was one of only 500 Amur tigers remaining in the wild and was part of a breeding program to help conserve the species. She had been moved to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo from Toronto Zoo in March 2023.

The Zoo’s Tribute

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has set up a memorial fund in Mila’s honor to support endangered species conservation projects in the wild, honoring her memory and contribution to the conservation efforts.

Conclusion

It’s important to note that the incident you were referring to did not occur at the Denver Zoo, but rather at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs. The Denver Zoo did not experience a tiger death. The tragic accident involving Mila the Amur tiger was a heartbreaking event, but it serves as a reminder of the challenges and risks involved in caring for endangered species, even in the best of circumstances.

References:
– 9News Article
– The Independent Article
– USA Today Article
– CBS News Article