Zoo Boise, a division of Boise Parks and Recreation, is saddened to announce that Diana, the zoo’s 10-year-old female Amur tiger, passed away during a physical exam this week.
“Our animal care team is highly skilled and takes every precaution, but any medical procedure that involves anesthesia comes with inherent risks, be it on a human or animal,” said Zoo Veterinarian Holly Holman. “During the initial necropsy, we noticed issues with multiple organs that may have led to this outcome. It is always difficult when something of this nature occurs and we at Zoo Boise appreciate the public’s support for our team and this beloved animal.”
Additional testing and follow up work is underway to determine the exact cause of death.
Diana joined Zoo Boise in 2019. She was placed on a breeding hold by the Amur Tiger Species Survival Plan, a conservation program by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.
“This is a very difficult time for everyone who is a part of the Zoo Boise family,” said Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway. “We will miss Diana immensely and are grateful for the way she helped further Zoo Boise’s conservation mission.”
Zoo Boise has turned the act of visiting the zoo into a conservation action. Since 2007, visits to Zoo Boise have generated more than $3 million towards the conservation of animals in the wild, redefining why we have a zoo. Zoo Boise is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, a national organization that supports excellence in animal care, conservation, education, and science.