The last remaining white tiger at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden was euthanized Thursday because of age-related health issues and vets were unable to maintain her quality of life.
Popsy, 22, was the oldest white tiger found in any accredited zoo in North America. Although Cincinnati Zoo staff and visitors are saddened by the loss, Popsy led a long life — tigers usually live 15 to 20 years.
Popsy arrived at the Cincinnati Zoo from Nashville in 1996 with her sister Erica. They were named after Erich Kunzel, the late conductor for the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. Popsy had a male companion, Akere, for the last 10 years of her life. Akere died in 2017.
The zoo’s health and care staff monitored Popsy’s condition for several months before concluding she had been overcome by several health issues, said Mark Campbell, director of Animal Health at the zoo.
Mike Land, one of the white tiger's caregivers, called her “a great animal ambassador for her species” and a favorite among zoo visitors.”
White tigers have been very popular at the Cincinnati Zoo since 1974. The zoo stated it is committed to tiger conservation, especially since the tiger population has diminished by 97 percent in the past century.
Only about 3,900 wild tigers are left in the world, compared to more than 100,000 a century ago.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.