Lung problems caused the Siberian tiger’s death: preliminary report
Posted May 2, 2014 6:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
LOWER MAINLAND (NEWS1130) – Preliminary necropsy results show a lung inflammation may have been the cause of Hani the Siberian tiger’s death.
Hani was found dead by her keeper first thing in the morning on April 30. The tiger was only two years old, and was brought to the zoo in June 2012 along with her sister Hana.
The Greater Vancouver Zoo has received the results from the pathologist who has performed the necropsy on the Siberian tiger.
“Hani exhibited changes in the chest compatible with pleuritis, which is an inflammatory process involving the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. This was associated with circulatory changes in the lung and partial collapse of the lung,” explains Veterinary Pathologist Dr. Ann Britton.
Britton explains that pleuritis is a fairly common problem in domestic cats, and usually affects one animal in a group. She says further tests are being conducted in an effort to determine the cause of the pleuritis, as well as the test to determine whether there might have been any heart involvement.
The zoo is expecting a final report with additional details to be released by the end of next week. It has been a very difficult week for both the zoo staff and their supporters, says a press release from the zoo.
“It has been a very difficult week for everyone both at the zoo and our supporters, and we would like to thank everyone for their kind words of condolences and support. Hani was a wonderful ambassador to her species, and her quiet demeanour and gentle ways will be dearly missed by all whose lives she touched.”
