SINGAPORE \u2013 A 13-year-old white Bengal tiger at the Night Safari was euthanised on July 1 after a battle with cancer.<\/p>\n
The animal, called Pasha, had been in declining health. Towards the end, he was no longer responding to treatment or able to enjoy a good quality of life, said Mandai Wildlife Group, which runs the Night Safari, in a statement on July 2.<\/p>\n
\u201cFollowing a comprehensive veterinary assessment, our teams made the difficult decision to humanely euthanise him to prevent further suffering,\u201d said Mandai Wildlife Group veterinarian Trent Van Zanten.<\/p>\n
At 13, Pasha was considered to be in his senior years.<\/p>\n
He had been under long-term veterinary care for several age-related health challenges, including severe osteoarthritis, which affected his mobility and caused him pain, said Van Zanten.<\/p>\n
Pasha was diagnosed with lymphoma, a progressive form of cancer, in 2026.<\/p>\n
\u201cFollowing the diagnosis, our animal care and veterinary teams worked closely to explore viable treatment options to keep him comfortable,\u201d Van Zanten said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile there were periods of stability, Pasha\u2019s condition progressively declined despite ongoing support,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
As Pasha\u2019s illness progressed, his care team focused on palliative care to help manage his pain. The animal\u2019s quality of life was also closely monitored.<\/p>\n
Pasha\u2019s health declined further in his final days, and it became clear that his welfare was compromised, Van Zanten said.<\/p>\n
The tiger was surrounded by the team who cared for him when he died, said Mandai Wildilfe Group curator Anand Kumar.<\/p>\n
Born under human care, Pasha arrived in Singapore in 2015 from Indonesia\u2019s Batu Secret Zoo, along with his sister Keysa. He did not have any offspring.<\/p>\n At 13, Pasha was considered to be in his senior years.<\/p>\n PHOTO: MANDAI WILDLIFE GROUP<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Quiet and introverted by nature, Pasha had his own unique way of showing affection, said Kumar.<\/p>\n \u201cHe would greet us with soft chuffs in the morning, just like a cat\u2019s purr, or rub against the mesh whenever we approached his den.\u201d<\/p>\n Pasha grew up alongside Keysa, and the two shared an \u201cincredibly strong bond\u201d despite their contrasting personalities. This is rare for tigers, given their solitary nature, said Kumar, adding that the siblings were often seen playing together, resting side by side, or rubbing their heads together.<\/p>\n Pasha (left) with his sister Keysa. They shared an \u201cincredibly strong bond\u201d despite their contrasting personalities.<\/p>\n PHOTO: MANDAI WILDLIFE GROUP<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n He recalled Pasha\u2019s \u201cgreat love for his enrichment toys\u201d, including his boomer balls \u2013 a hard-plastic toy ball \u2013 which he would guard closely. Everyone knew that Pasha would get first dibs whenever the toys were introduced into the enclosure, Kumar said. Keysa would patiently wait her turn.<\/p>\n \u201cPasha was part of our lives for many years, and saying goodbye has been difficult for the team,\u201d Kumar said.<\/p>\n \u201cHe will be deeply missed by all of us who had the privilege of caring for him. Our team will continue to monitor Keysa closely as she adjusts to life without her brother.\u201d<\/p>\n Keysa is now the sole white tiger under Mandai Wildlife Group\u2019s care.<\/p>\n<\/picture><\/div>
<\/picture><\/div>