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Cincinnati Zoo Says Goodbye To Rare Tiger

Twenty-two year old Akere has died of cancer.
Cincinnati Zoo
Twenty-two year old Akere has died of cancer.

The oldest white tiger in any accredited North American zoo has died at the Cincinnati Zoo. Twenty two year old Akere lost his battle with oral cancer Thursday.

In this blog post the zoo says, "He was in renal failure and had severe arthritis in his hips. We provided supportive care and medication to ease his pain, but it was clear that his quality of life was not going to improve." He died surrounded by "people who loved and cared for him," according to the zoo.

Akere came to Cincinnati from the Nashville Zoo in 1996 when he was nine months old. Keepers describe him as having a great personality and being a great ambassador. They say he was affectionate with keepers and made it known to his companion Popsy that he was in charge and always got the prime sleeping spot.

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With more than 30 years of journalism experience in the Greater Cincinnati market, Ann Thompson brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her reporting. She has reported for WKRC, WCKY, WHIO-TV, Metro Networks and CBS/ABC Radio. Her work has been recognized by the Associated Press and the Society of Professional Journalists. In 2019 and 2011 A-P named her “Best Reporter” for large market radio in Ohio. She has won awards from the Association of Women in Communications and the Alliance for Women in Media. Ann reports regularly on science and technology in Focus on Technology.
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