APPLE VALLEY, Minn. – The Siberian tiger Putin died unexpectedly of cardiac arrest during a routine preventative health exam at the Minnesota Zoo. He was 12. Putin was a prime and rare example of his species and a favorite of zoo visitors. Taylor Yaw, chief animal care physician, said an autopsy would be performed. “This was a routine procedure that is a vital part of our care and conservation work for tigers,” Yaw said. “We plan weeks ahead for these types of exams. All necessary precautions were taken, and the team did everything within their power to save this animal.”
Siberian tiger profile
About 103 Siberian tigers are in accredited zoos in North America. They’re also called Amur tigers. Fewer than 500 survive in the wild worldwide. Native to the Russian far East, northwest China and possibly North Korea. Males typically 400 to 675 pounds, females 220 to 370 pounds.
Putin. Born in 2009 in the Czech Republic, which bestowed his name. Lived at the Denmark Zoo for six years. Sired multiple cubs, including one born at the Minnesota Zoo in 2017.