Zookeepers are “cautiously optimistic” about the recovery of Kita, the Calgary Zoo’s senior female tiger.
On Wednesday, drained fluids from Kita’s chest cavity revealed a very serious infection requiring immediate and aggressive treatment.
“The infection looks bacterial in nature, which means there could be a whole host of causes,” said senior veterinarian Dr. Doug Whiteside, adding that Kita has suffered from peripheral nervous system problems over the last five years.
“At 15, she has already exceeded the lifespan of the wild, where 12 years is expected. She doesn’t have the immune system of a younger tiger.”
Currently, Kita is back in her tiger enclosure being treated with antibiotics and her favourite snacks.
