Dartmoor Zoo's tiger Alisha has died
Zookeepers say she had a huge personality and will be sorely missed
Last updated 9th Mar 2022
Dartmoor Zoo has announced the heart-breaking news that their tiger Alisha has passed away.
The seven-year-old Amur tiger had gone off her food and no energy so tests were carried out to work out what was wrong.
Sadly it was found that Alisha was suffering from kidney failure and she had to be put to sleep.
Bosses at the zoo have paid tribute saying she had a huge personality and will be sorely missed.
In a statement on Facebook, the Dartmoor Zoological Society said: "It is with very heavy hearts that we have to share the devastating news that Alisha, our beloved seven-year-old Amur tiger, has sadly passed away.
"During the past week, Alisha went off her food, became lethargic and wasn’t her normal, playful self. The decision was made to do some investigations to try and find out what was causing her illness.
"After an examination and the results from her blood test, it was clear that she was suffering from severe renal failure and the difficult but kindest decision was made by a specialist team of vets and keepers to put her to sleep.
"Alisha was a hugely popular member of our Zoo family and was loved by all of our visitors. A favourite for our ‘meet the tiger experience’ where she would regularly come to say hello and ‘chuff’, she had a huge personality and will be sorely missed.
"Unlike many tigers who prefer a solitary life, Dragan and Alisha were lifelong companions, inseparable and best friends. Over the coming months, our keepers will be monitoring Dragan closely.
"Please join us in remembering Alisha for the exceptional big cat that she was and share your photos, videos and moments with her, we would love to see them.
"Sweet dreams beautiful girl."