The Denver Zoo has announced today that a 12-year-old Amur tiger, Yuri, has passed away. Yuri came from the Bronx Zoo to the Denver Zoo in 2019 after the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan recommended the transfer.

Yuri's health began to decline in October with exams showing anemia, dehydration, and systemic inflammation. According to the Denver Zoo, these conditions were coupled with chronic health conditions that included liver and neurological diseases.

Get our free mobile app

The care team in charge of Yuri's health was highly concerned about his quality of life and prognosis. Ultimately, the care team had to make the difficult decision to euthanize Yuri to stop the suffering.

The memorial page for Yuri on Denver Zoo's website is filled with memories from the care team of the Amur Tiger:

Yuri was a giant goofy cat. He loved to rest in the sun whenever it was out. He was known for having his tongue sticking out at any given moment, especially when he was sleeping. He loved playing with his favorite toys like his rocker, snack shack, and barrels. He would always walk with keepers along his habitat barrier, chuffing the whole way.

 

Yuri was a goofy boy.  He loved flopping over on top of his small pine trees (making it hard to grow new trees in his habitat), and carrying his favorite toys around. Above all, I have personally seen him overcome obstacle after obstacle.  He was incredibly resilient, and had an impressive capacity to learn.

The memorial page closes out by saying Yuri will be missed by all.

Source: Denver Zoo 

13 Crazy Colorado Laws That Make No Sense

There are laws everywhere - a lot of them we know about and abide by every day. But, there are others I'm willing to bet you knew nothing about.

This Breckenridge Cabin Has a Creek Running Under the Floor

This cabin in the mountains of Colorado has a creek running under the master bedroom.

More From K99