Zoo Miami Mourning Deaths Of Malayan Tiger, Indian Rhino
MIAMI (CBS4) - Several hours after announcing the news that a female Malayan tiger died at Zoo Miami, officials say they are also mourning the death of an Indian Rhino.
A tigress, named Tevy, was found dead in her enclosure this morning, according to Zoo Miami spokesperson Ron Magill. Mohan the rhino was humanely euthanized after his condition deteriorated due to advanced age. Mohan was 44 1/2.
Magill said zookeepers had noticed Tevy acting lethargic about a month ago. She recovered, but began suffering from the same symptoms last week. During an exam Sunday, veterinarians discovered that the was severely jaundiced and a course of treatment was planned. She died before completing treatment.
A necropsy performed Monday showed Tevy died from advanced liver failure. More tests are being performed to determine the definitive cause of death.
Tevy was born February 28, 2000 at the Cincinnati Zoo and arrived at Zoo Miami from the Knoxville Zoo in 2010 as part of a carefully planned breeding program. Malayan tigers are highly endangered.
Mohan had a decidedly longer tenure at the zoo. He was transferred there from the old Crandon Park Zoo on Key Biscayne in April of 1970. Zoo officials say Mohan had limited mobility and a decreased appetite in recent weeks. In the last 48 hours, the rhino had refused food and had increasingly labored breathing. The decision to euthanize Mohan was made to prevent any future suffering.
