Colchester Zoo bid a sad farewell to Amur Tiger Igor
On Wednesday 25th August, the difficult decision was made to put Igor to sleep after a procedure showed his tumour to be inoperable
Last updated 26th Aug 2021
The Animal Care Team at Colchester Zoo had been monitoring Igor after a growth, suspected to be a tumour developed on his head.
Following a procedure to remove the growth, the tumour was found to be inoperable and then the difficult decision was made to put Igor to sleep.
Colchester Zoo shared the news on Twitter:
"On 25th August 2021 Colchester Zoo were very sad to say goodbye to male Amur Tiger Igor after 15 years with us here at the zoo. This is a very sad time for the Colchester Zoo staff as we say goodbye to an old friend who we will miss dearly."
Igor arrived at Colchester Zoo in November 2006 from Vienna Zoo and stayed for the next 15 years.
At 16 years of age, Igor was in the later part of his expected lifespan and leaves behind best friend, female amur Tiger Anoushka. The pair were inseparable.
The Animal Care team will continue to monitor the other tigers as they adjust to life without Igor.