A zoo is mourning the death of a 21-year-old Sumatran tiger who made worldwide headlines.
Shepreth Wildlife Park in Cambridgeshire said Ratna was “put to rest” on Tuesday after her health and mobility challenges could no longer “be managed compassionately”.
She arrived at the park in 2019, having been rehomed with her daughter, Kelabu, after a long and celebrated residency at Chessington in south-west London.
In 2021, she made headlines as the first tiger to undergo corneal surgery, a groundbreaking procedure that saved her eye.
Ratna, a Sumatran tiger, made history when she became the first big cat to undergo groundbreaking surgery performed by Dr. David Williams at the Queen’s Veterinary School Hospital at the University of Cambridge. Her recovery and subsequent flourishing were praised by Dr. Williams, who described her as an “incredible patient” and a “testament to the resilience and beauty of her species.”
At Shepreth Wildlife Park, Ratna played a significant role in both educational and conservation efforts. With fewer than 600 Sumatran tigers left in the wild, the park emphasized its commitment to raising awareness and supporting conservation. Director Rebecca Willers expressed the difficulty of saying goodbye to such a cherished tiger, acknowledging Ratna’s strong and loveable character. She noted that Ratna’s legacy would live on through the funds and awareness raised for tiger conservation.
Dean Ward, the park’s co-curator and head of the carnivore section, shared that working with Ratna was a “blessing.” He highlighted her role as an ambassador for the population decline of tigers across Asia and her importance in the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria Ex-situ Programme for breeding. Despite her passing at the age of 21, Ratna’s contributions to tiger conservation and education will continue to resonate with visitors and staff alike.