Amarillo Zoo’s Savannah the Tiger Euthanized

AMARILLO – After more than a decade at the Amarillo Zoo, one of its more beloved residents was humanely euthanized Friday (Jan. 6.)

Savannah, a 19-year-old Bengal tiger, had been battling arthritis and kidney disease since 2021. She called the Amarillo Zoo home since 2010 and was a favorite of zoo staff and visitors. The average lifespan for a Bengal tiger in the wild is eight to 10 years.

“Savannah held such a big place in our hearts. She all taught us how to love and care for such a magnificent species. Savannah will be greatly missed, “said Berkeley Hilliard, Amarillo Zoo Curator.

Since 2021, advanced age preventive care was administered to Savannah to improve her quality of life. Recently, zoo staff discovered that Savannah was feeling ill. After conferring with consulting veterinarians, the difficult decision was made to euthanize the tigress.

“Please keep the Amarillo Zoo team in your thoughts as they navigate this difficult time. It goes without saying that our animals are truly an extension of our family. This loss is quite hard for our keepers and staff,” said Dylan Long, Amarillo Zoo Visitor Service Specialist.

Savannah was preceded in death by her sister, Sabrina, who passed away in January of 2021 due to a rare invasive cancer.

Savannah was taken to the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine where she will go on to teach the future generation of veterinarians about her species.

Amarillo Zoo staff is asking for the public to share memories of Savannah on the Amarillo Zoo’s Facebook page.

For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at (806) 378-5219 or by email at David.Henry@amarillo.gov