Henry Vilas Zoo Is Sad to Announce the Passing of Cyber the Amur Tiger

July 21, 2017
Stephanie Miller 920-470-4618
County Executive

MADISON, Wis., July 21, 2017 – The Henry Vilas Zoo is mourning the loss of Cyber, the 18-year-old amur tiger, zoo officials announced today.

 

“We are very sad to make this announcement, as Cyber was a well-loved ambassador of his species. He not only captured the hearts of zoo guests, but his caretakers, too,” said zoo director Ronda Schwetz. “Cyber will be missed greatly. This is a tremendous loss for our zoo family.”

 

Amur tigers typically live 10 to 14 years in the wild. In captivity, they can live up to 20 years, but their average life expectancy is 14 to 16 years. At the age of 18, Cyber had been closely monitored by animal care and veterinary staff. Recently, it became clear to the animal care staff that it was necessary to make the difficult decision to humanely euthanize Cyber due to his deteriorating health and comfort.

 

The zoo is grateful to have a female tiger, 8-year-old Cali, and will continue to work with the Amur Tiger Species Survival Program (SSP) in hopes to provide Cali with a companion in the future.