Colchester Zoo announces death of Amur tiger Anoushka

A decision was made to put Anoushka, who had lived at the zoo for 18 years, to sleep in the "interest of her welfare". 

A spokesman for the zoo said: "At 19 years of age, Anoushka was an aging individual who was under regular supervision by our veterinarians due to her displaying features typical of a geriatric cat, such as skeletal changes linked to spinal arthritis, decreasing coat condition, and weakening eyesight and hearing.

"In the last few days, her condition deteriorated, and the decision was made to put her to sleep in the interest of her welfare."

Anoushka lived at the zoo for 18 years (Image: Nina Day)

Colchester Zoo’s veterinarian, Elliott Simpson-Brown, said: “It has been a pleasure working so closely alongside the Animal Care Team and to have had the privilege to have known Anoushka.

"The decision to put her to sleep was incredibly difficult, but the right decision for Anoushka at this time. After so many amazing years at Colchester Zoo, it is the last and kindest decision to make for her given her recent deterioration.”

Anoushka’s passing now leaves two Amur tigers at Colchester Zoo, Taiga and her daughter Tatana, who was born at the zoo in June 2019.

It is hoped that there will be further opportunities in the future to breed this endangered big cat at Colchester Zoo but for now, Taiga and Tatana will live separately due to them preferring solitary lives.

Anoushka celebrated many birthdays at Colchester Zoo (Image: Colchester Zoo)

Colchester Zoo’s head keeper Ang Matthews, who worked with Anoushka for 11 years, said: “Anoushka was renowned for her princess-like behaviour, avoiding water where she could and dramatically shaking her feet if she got wet.

"She was always pristine in appearance and liked to be independent, doing her own thing.

"Anoushka was particularly responsive to her training, such as target training, stepping onto the weigh scales and always liked interacting with her keepers, seeing what they were up to.

"The tigers all enjoy scent enrichment, Anoushka particularly liked fruity perfumes and her preferred scent was always ‘Tommy Girl’, so this will always remind me of her.”