The Wildheart Sanctuary in Sandown has announced, with a heavy heart, the death of the male tiger Girona.
Girona’s health had deteriorated in recent weeks to the point where the Sanctuary – formally known as the Isle of Wight Zoo – along with the expert veterinary team, decided it was the kindest decision to bid him a fond final goodbye
A spokesperson for The Wildheart Trust has said:
“We know you will share our deep sadness, we ask you to join us in celebrating the life of a truly majestic tiger who enjoyed three very special years with us here after suffering appalling treatment in his previous life.
“Girona was 18-years-old which is a grand old age for a tiger and we are proud that he was able to call The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary his forever home. In the three years he was with us we gave him the peaceful, dignified and enriching life he deserved in his later years
“It is incredibly sad but this was the kindest decision for Girona and we will now be able to offer the habitat to help other big cats in distress find their forever home. Our fight continues to rescue more animals from a life of misery and to allow them to flourish in our sanctuary by the sea”.
This tiger being among the ones that were donated and not ‘rescued’ and their former lives were not as bad as a few people would have us believe, which is why questions are being asked by people who have investigated the circumstances around there acquisition?
Out with it then, what questions?
Please do go to the Country Squire online magazine, interesting read about the people associated with the zoo and the questions being asked.
My wife and I had the privilege of meeting Girona during our tiger feeding experience.
Wow! that old boy had such an incredible, gentle and wise presence.
Very saddened to hear of his passing, I know the staff will be very upset also.
We should all be thankful his last days were full of love, care, and the respect he and the other big cats deserve.