COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is remembering the life of Koshka, one of their Amur tigers who recently passed away.
Koshka died at 19 years old, which is longer than the 14-16 year median life expectancy for Amur tigers living under human care, the zoo said.
Amur tigers, also known as Siberian tigers, are considered endangered, according to Riverbanks. Over the course of her life, Koshka gave birth to four cubs as part of the Amur Tiger Species Survival Plan — which is significant considering there are fewer than 500 Amur tigers remaining in the wild.
“Koshka was an integral part of the Riverbanks family and a true ambassador for her species,” said Tommy Stringfellow, President and CEO of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. “Her presence touched the lives of countless visitors and staff members over the years, inspiring a deep appreciation for tiger conservation.”…