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Bacterial pneumonia killed tiger at Assiniboine Park Zoo

By: Staff Writer

Posted: 09/18/2012 10:33 AM | Comments: 0

Mother Kendra sits with her two tiger cubs in the Assiniboine Park Zoo in October, 2011. Reka, one of the cubs, died Aug. 27. (TREVOR HAGAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS ARCHIVES ) Photo Store

The death of Reka, the Amur Tiger who passed away Aug. 27 at Assiniboine Park Zoo, was caused by the sudden onset of a severe case of bacterial pneumonia, according to a report by the zoo’s veterinary team released today.

"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 Dr. Enright. "Testing for canine distemper and other viruses came back negative."

Zoo staff began monitoring Reka on Sunday, August 26 as he was appearing lethargic, had a reduced appetite and showed a discharge from the eyes. Reka was scheduled for a full exam and diagnostics; however he stopped breathing shortly after being tranquilized for the exam and went into cardiac arrest, passing away at approximately 9:55 am on August 27.

The bacteria involved in Reka’s illness is not likely to result in clinical disease in other feline species at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. No other animals have shown signs of illness and are being carefully monitored by the Zoo’s animal care and veterinary staff

Reka was one of two Amur Tigers born at the Assiniboine Park Zoo on July 29, 2011.

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