The Isle of Wight Zoo are this week preparing for the death of their 21-year-old tiger, Aysha.
Aysha has lived at the Isle of Wight Zoo since she was just 3 months old. Her friendly nature and quirky ways made her a firm favourite with visitors. Saying hello to her and getting a friendly ‘chuff’ has been a vital and very engaging part of the visit for so many.
Due to the special relationship that this iconic tiger has with visitors, staff at the Zoo have publically announced that Aysha’s health has started to deteriorate to the point where they have, together with an expert veterinary team, decided that it is time to say goodbye to her.
Charlotte Corney, founder of the Isle of Wight Zoo, reared Aysha from a cub and is with her 24/7 to keep her company and to monitor her condition. All is said to be peaceful and Aysha is content resting, mostly in her bedroom.
Islanders are told that if you would like to visit her one last time then you are able to do so today (Wednesday).
UPDATE THURSDAY @ 12:40 – The Isle of Wight Zoo has confirmed that Aysha died last night at the age of 21.
Aysha and her brother Diamond came to the Isle of Wight Zoo in the Autumn of 1998 when they were just 3 months old. Although Diamond passed away 5 years ago, Aysha lived to the grand age of 21 – a great age even for a tiger living in human care. In the wild their life expectancy would be much lower.
Charlotte Corney, founder of the The Wildheart Trust remembers their first meeting:
“I’ll never forget the day that Aysha and her twin brother Diamond arrived. She jumped up to greet me and came up to my knee. With her signature scrubbed off nose and cheery chuffs she took me captive from day one.
“Aysha was full of joyful energy and although much smaller than her brother, Diamond, she used to boss him around. She would sneak up behind him and sweep his back legs from under him. It was very funny to watch.
“Aysha put the A into ‘ambassador’. She sparkled and shone her way into each and every heart. We were all fortunate enough to meet her and now she leaves a smiley, stripy scar on those same hearts.”
Tracy Dove, the Zoo’s Education Manager, comments:
“Schools used to love that Aysha would see or hear them coming down to her enclosure. She would stop whatever she was doing and run over to see us, chuffing and rubbing her head along the fence. She would happily chuff into the microphone and broadcast her thoughts to the entire audience.”
I would say leave her be, she doesn’t need crowds at this time of her journey. ♥
That’s right let her go peacefully! Such a beautiful animal!!! She’s had a great life!! Good bye aysha RIP.
so sad , must be heartbreaking for the staff
That’s so sad
I am so sorry to hear that my heart goes out to the staff who looks after her at the zoo she will be sadly missed when her time comes
Just leave her in peace
So sad I went to see her when I was on holiday over there r I p.
R I P AYSHA GOOD BYE
We were so sad to hear that Aysha has died. You must all be heartbroken. However, you can be happy that she was given a very loving home with wonderful carers.
Very sad but they gave her a good life x