Tiger and Leopard in Chelyabinsk Seriously Ill

Concern has arisen at the Chelyabinsk Zoo over the condition of two big cats — an Amur tiger named Matis and a leopard named Amir. Both predators, having reached the venerable ages of 16 and 17, have begun to lose weight rapidly.

The tiger was examined first. The test results were disappointing: the animal was found to have progressive chronic kidney failure and a polyp in the bladder.

“Yes, there is supportive therapy. Yes, we are providing it. But recently, Matyusha«s attacks have worsened, and he comes out of them with great difficulty. The other day there was another attack, and Matis is still not feeling very well. He is quite lethargic, lies down most of the time, and eats very poorly. Our female veterinarians and zoologists are doing everything possible, but the prognosis is very, very cautious,” zoo representatives said.

Leopard Amir also lost weight dramatically in just a week, and his urine darkened. Since such symptoms in felines often indicate rapidly developing kidney and liver problems, it was decided to urgently immobilize the predator for a full range of examinations.

Preliminary ultrasound data have already shown serious malfunctions in the leopard«s pancreas, gallbladder, and kidneys. The biochemical blood test is also not encouraging, but veterinarians believe that the animal»s condition can be attempted to be corrected with medication.