A beloved 14-year-old tiger rescued from a Spanish circus has been put to sleep after an old leg injury began to severely affect her quality of life.
Zoppa, whose name means limping in Italian, arrived in 2018 with four other circus tigers after years of suffering from a fractured front leg which had never been treated.
She was cared for at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Isle of Wight, since in 2018.
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Staff were heartbroken at her loss, as reported by Need To Know.
A spokesperson said: “After a lifetime of overcoming extraordinary challenges, Zoppa’s mobility and quality of life had deteriorated to the point where, following an extensive assessment and consultation with our veterinary team, the kindest and most compassionate decision was made to put her to sleep.
“While our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing that the final eight years of Zoppa’s life were spent exactly as every rescued animal deserves – safe, loved and cared for.”
Zoppa was born in a Spanish circus in 2012 and suffered the untreated fracture during her early years, leaving her with a permanent disability and distinctive limp.
In September 2017, Zoppa and four other circus tigers – Natasha, Antonella, Girona and Mondo – were rescued by AAP.
Following rehabilitation, they arrived at the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, then known as the Isle of Wight Zoo, in June 2018.
The spokesperson added: “Extensive veterinary examinations in both Spain and the UK confirmed there was no operation that could repair Zoppa’s injury.
“Instead, our focus became ensuring she could enjoy the very best quality of life possible.
“Our dedicated animal care team developed a tailored care programme designed specifically around her needs.
“This included habitat adaptations, specialist enrichment and feeding techniques, ongoing pain management and, in recent years, regular physiotherapy sessions incorporating massage, infra-red laser therapy and electromagnetic pulse therapy.”
Despite her disability, Zoppa adapted remarkably well and remained active, playful and curious for many years.
Her favourite place was the pool, where she would spend long periods playing with boat fenders, barrels and a wobble bridge built primarily to help with her recovery.
Although she continued to live with a limp, staff closely monitored her welfare and said she continued to display natural behaviours expected of a healthy tiger.
The spokesperson added: “As she grew older, however, we knew her disability would inevitably become harder to manage.
“At 14 years old – a very good age for a tiger, especially one that had experienced such a difficult beginning – the pain and discomfort associated with her injury had reached a point where we were concerned she was beginning to suffer.
“At the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, we make a promise to every animal in our care: that we will do everything we can to ensure they are safe, happy and healthy, and that we will always treat them with dignity, respect and compassion.
“Making the decision to say goodbye is never easy, but it is sometimes the greatest act of kindness we can give.
“Her strength, resilience and gentle nature will never be forgotten.
“Rest peacefully, beautiful Zoppa.
“You will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
Animal manager Marc Fox, who had cared for Zoppa since her arrival, said: “I personally have cared for 28 different tigers throughout my career, and I can honestly say that Zoppa has genuinely been the loveliest tiger I have ever had the honour to know.
“Although we always knew that her disability would become harder for her to cope with as she aged, it never made this decision any easier.
“It has been a privilege to care for her, and she will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.”
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary CEO Lawrence Bates said: “Zoppa’s life perfectly captured why our Sanctuary exists.
“She arrived here after experiencing neglect and exploitation, and while we couldn’t change her past, we could give her the care, dignity and compassion she deserved for the rest of her life.
“Saying goodbye is incredibly painful, but ensuring that no animal suffers unnecessarily is one of the greatest responsibilities we have.
“We are immensely proud of the life Zoppa was able to enjoy here, and grateful to our dedicated staff, supporters and visitors who helped make that possible.
“Zoppa touched the hearts of so many people, and her legacy will continue to inspire our work for rescued animals for many years to come.”
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