The Assiniboine Park Zoo has uncovered what killed a young tiger last month at its facility.
Staff started monitoring Reka on Aug. 26 as he had a reduced appetite, appeared lethargic and had a discharge from his eyes.
He was scheduled for a full exam but stopped breathing after being tranquilized for it and went into cardiac arrest before dying on Aug. 27, said zoo officials.
The zoo carried out a report into the animal’s death.
“Our report concludes that the cause of death was severe, sudden onset, bacterial pneumonia caused by a form of bacteria commonly found in the mouths of members of the cat family,” said Dr. Chris Enright, head of veterinary services for the Assiniboine Park Zoo.
“While it is unusual for oral bacteria such as this to result in clinical disease, it can opportunistically cause infections and in this particular case, the bacteria entered Reka’s lungs and resulted in pneumonia,” said Enright. “Testing for canine distemper and other viruses came back negative.”
Zoo officials said the bacteria involved in Reka’s illness is not likely to cause disease in other feline species at the zoo, adding that no other animals have shown signs of illness but continue to be closely monitored by staff.
Reka was born in July 2011 alongside another cub. If he had lived, officials said Reka could have fathered 20 to 30 cubs in his lifetime as part of a survival program aimed at diversifying the genetics of tigers.
