(Michigan City, IN) - The Washington Park Zoo is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved residents. 

 

Stripes, a 20-year-old Bengal tiger captivating visitors since his arrival two decades ago, was euthanized due to age-related health issues.

 

According to zoo officials, Stripes had been successfully receiving veterinary care pain management and medication for kidney disease and arthritis, but he recently had shown a rapid deterioration in his health.

 

With his appetite and activity declining, the decision was made to euthanize before his quality of life worsened. Final pathology reports discovered he was suffering from kidney failure, lymphedema, and cancer, which is often found in older tigers, zoo officials said.

 

Stripes was one of the oldest Bengal tigers in the care of humans, according to zoo officials.  In the wild, the typical lifespan for a Bengal tiger is between 10 and 14 years.

 

According to zoo officials, Stripes arrived at the Washington Park Zoo in 2005 along with his brother, Stars, from a zoo in Iowa.  Stars passed away in 2023 due to complications from chronic kidney disease.