CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is mourning the loss of one of its beloved beasts, as it announced the death of Amur tiger Klechka at the age of 16.
Klechka had lived at the zoo since 2007, one of several of the endangered tiger species to come to Northeast Ohio. Officials say he passed away from cancer.
"This is a difficult loss for everyone connected with Cleveland Metroparks Zoo," read a post on Facebook, adding that the average lifespan of an Amur tiger is 13 years.
Hector and Zoya now remain as the only Amur tigers in Cleveland. Those wishing to remember Klechka are asked to leave condolences in the post below.
