With Heavy Hearts, We Say Goodbye to Malena
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Malena, one of our beloved Amur tigers at Brookfield Zoo Chicago.
Earlier this week, our dedicated animal care specialists noticed changes in Malena’s appetite and energy levels and quickly called in the Zoo’s veterinary experts to evaluate her health. Once under anesthesia for an examination, it became clear that Malena's kidneys were not functioning properly, which led to life-threatening heart arrhythmias. Due to the severity of these abnormalities, the Zoo’s veterinary experts made the incredibly difficult, but compassionate, decision to humanely euthanize her. Preliminary necropsy results (the autopsy equivalent for animals), suggest that a cancerous process was preventing Malena's kidneys from functioning properly, but full details won't be available for several weeks while pathologists complete their full evaluation.
Malena joined our Brookfield Zoo Chicago family in 2020 and quickly captured the hearts of guests and staff alike. She made history in 2021 as the first Amur tiger in North America to undergo a successful total hip replacement—a remarkable moment that reflected not only her strength and resilience, but also the extraordinary commitment of our animal care teams to her well-being. She formed a special bond with her caregivers and was known for her calm strength and majestic presence. One of the things Malena’s animal care team will miss the most about her is being greeted by her “singing” and chuffing each morning, as well as her adoration for her beds. Relatably, they recall that she wasn’t much of a “morning cat.”
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. She truly left a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to see her.
Join us in celebrating Malena’s life by sharing your favorite photos, memories, or messages in the comments below. Together, let’s honor the incredible impact she made and the joy she brought to so many.
Amur tigers, once known as Siberian tigers, are critically endangered, with fewer than 500 remaining in the wild. Brookfield Zoo Chicago continues its commitment to the care and conservation of this incredible species and will continue to provide the highest level of care for Whirl, another Amur tiger in our care.
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About Brookfield Zoo Chicago: Connect. Care. Conserve.
Since 1934, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has been a global leader in animal well-being and conservation, inspiring conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. The Zoo is a private nonprofit organization that operates on 235 acres of land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County and is home to more than 3,500 animals representing over 500 species—including many of Earth’s most endangered. Brookfield Zoo Chicago was the first zoo in the world to be Humane Certified™ by the American Humane Society for the care and welfare of its animals, and is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, and ArbNet. For more information, visit www.brookfieldzoo.org or follow @BrookfieldZoo on Instagram, Facebook and Threads.