Tiger Dies at ZooMontana

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By Nichole Szemerei

Story Published: Jul 1, 2009 at 6:28 PM MST

Story Updated: Jul 2, 2009 at 5:47 AM MST

BILLINGS - ZooMontana officials and staff are mourning the unexpected death of their female tiger Luna.

Zookeepers noticed Luna's loss of appetite and lazy behavior Saturday afternoon and early Sunday morning under the watch of her keepers and veterinarian, she stopped breathing.

Results of the necropsy are still pending which they hope will pinpoint the cause of death, but regardless of the results, Zoo Director Jackie Worstell says ZooMontana will miss her.

"Luna was only I think 10-years-old, so she was still very young, middle aged. Tigers will live to be about 18 so I think that's what makes this one even more difficult."

The zoo's other tiger, Prince, is temporarily off exhibit pending assessment of all the plants in its living quarters as well as a review of the exhibit area to make sure no foreign objects were thrown into the enclosure.

Wednesday, Jul 1 at 11:47 PM Angela wrote ...

:( I am very saddened. Prince will be sad. She was a great tiger, and will be greatly missed.

Wednesday, Jul 1 at 7:06 PM MCResident wrote ...

Sad, very sad. I have an idea....Call the Henry Dorley Zoo in Omaha Nebraska. They have a wonderful tiger compound!! Maybe you can get them to give you one of theirs. Just a thought. Good Luck!!!

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