Brookfield Zoo’s Beloved Amur Tiger Malena Passes Away

BROOKFIELD, Ill. – Brookfield Zoo is mourning the loss of Malena, a beloved Amur tiger, who was humanely euthanized on Friday after her health declined rapidly.

Zoo officials reported that animal care staff noticed changes in Malena’s appetite and energy levels, prompting them to alert the veterinary team for an evaluation. During an exam under anesthesia, veterinarians discovered her kidneys were failing, leading to life-threatening heart arrhythmias.

Due to the severity of her condition, the zoo’s veterinary experts made the difficult decision to euthanize her. A statement from the zoo indicated that preliminary necropsy results suggest a cancerous process was impairing Malena’s kidney function, but full details will take weeks as pathologists complete their evaluation.

Malena joined Brookfield Zoo in 2020 and made history in 2021 as the first Amur tiger in North America to undergo a successful total hip replacement. The zoo noted that Malena was known for her calm strength and majestic presence, forming a close bond with her caregivers.

The animal care team expressed their sorrow, recalling the warm greeting of her “singing and chuffing” each morning and her fondness for her beds. “Malena’s loss is deeply felt by all of us: our staff, volunteers, and the many guests who were moved by her quiet grace and beauty,” the statement read.

Currently, Brookfield Zoo continues to care for another Amur tiger named Whirl, ensuring that the facility maintains the highest standards of animal care.