24-05-2025
Devastated Chicago residents left reeling after beloved tiger is euthanized at zoo
Brookfield Zoo in Chicago is mourning Malena, a beloved Amur tiger, who was euthanized Friday due to a sudden health crisis.
Veterinarians discovered that cancer had compromised her kidney function, leading to dangerous heart arrhythmias.
'Due to the severity of these abnormalities, the Zoo's veterinary experts made the incredibly difficult, but compassionate, decision to humanely euthanize her,' the zoo said in a statement.
Malena joined the zoo's big cat family in 2020 at age 10 and made history just a year later, becoming the first Amur tiger in North America to successfully undergo a total hip replacement—a milestone in veterinary medicine.
Her caretakers fondly recalled her morning routine: greeting the team with chuffs and her signature 'singing.'
'One of the things Malena's animal care team will miss the most about her is being greeted by her 'singing' and chuffing each morning, as well as her adoration for her beds.'
They recalled that she wasn't much of a 'morning cat,' the statement continued.
'Malena's loss is deeply felt by all of us: our staff, volunteers, and the many guests who were moved by her quiet grace and beauty. She truly left a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to see her.'
As news of her passing spread, tributes poured in across social media—nearly 600 comments were filled with gratitude, heartbreak, and personal memories.
'So grateful that on our most recent visit we got to watch her play fetch with herself and her ball. She was so full of life. Hugs to her caretakers and all who loved her,' one commenter wrote.
'Thank you, Brookfield Zoo Chicago, for your good care and for making the compassionate choice for her. Warm thoughts to all her caregivers, Whirl, and all who cared about her,' said another.
The grief was deeply personal for many: 'So very sorry. Our sympathies to her caregivers as it is very tough to lose a beloved 'family' member. She will be missed by all.'
A visitor shared a cherished moment: 'I took this picture on November 30, 2020. I had just finished talking about Malena being so shy.
'A few seconds later, she peaked over the rock and disappeared just as quickly. I was so excited!
'The keeper ran back to see the image. She couldn't wait to tell the others that she had attempted to come out.'
Others captured the sorrow in poetic terms: 'Heaven has lots of space for tigers.'
'As a former keeper at Brookfield I know how strong the bond can be with all the creatures in your care. They depend on us and we on them and to lose such an endangered species is even harder. My heart goes out to all her caregivers.'
'My daughter loved two animals more than any others: Malena and Kinda. What a tough weekend we're gonna have,' wrote another user.
One tribute summed up the collective sentiment: 'I'm heartsick. What a privilege to have been in her presence.'
And quoting Pirates of the Caribbean, one mourner added, 'The world's still the less in it.'
