Another Former WAO Tiger Dies from a Tumor

This was posted on Facebook today about Swathe (aka Marcus) today.  Another WAO tiger victim of life-threatening tumor:

Carolina Tiger Rescue

‎~ Marcus Tiger (1996-2012) ~

Carolina Tiger lost Marcus, one of our newest tigers, last Thursday. During Marcus’ quarantine physical a tumor was found under his tongue. Removal was not an option. We tried medication to reduce the inflammation but with no real impact on his quality of life. He would rest his head in the water dish to help his mouth feel better. We made the difficult decision... to euthanize him.

Marcus had been a part of the Carolina Tiger Rescue family only a short while, but his old soul has made a lasting impression. He was the first of the new tigers to come up and visit with the keeper staff while in quarantine. Nothing ever seemed to really upset him and he was very free with his chuffles. We hate that we such a short time with Marcus but were happy to provide him a loving home for his last few months.

 

 

 

 

 

Beth Birdsall Lupold Hey Rita Nunn, you definitely want to remember him like this and not how we saw him today. You would have been heartbroken. We spent about an hour with him today and he will be leaving us tomorrow.

January 18 at 4:31pm

Rita Nunn Oh Beth! At least you were with him for a while so he knows he was loved.

January 18 at 4:33pm

Beth Birdsall Lupold Loved he was. Wish we had longer with him. He wouldn't even eat from us tonight. It was really very sad.

January 18 at 4:35pm

Beth Birdsall Lupold Marcus, I have to say that you stole my heart in the very short time I got to know you. I am very sad that you have to leave us soon. I am comforted in knowing that you will soon be out of pain and can Rest in Peace. I hope you have a peaceful journey over the Rainbow Bridge. I will truly miss you.

January 18 at 3:57pm ·

Rita Nunn Oh! I had hoped to see him again, but I DON'T want him to hurt anymore.

January 18 at 4:32pm

Shanna Oberreiter Did we lose him today, Beth?

January 18 at 6:21pm

Beth Birdsall Lupold The vet is supposed to go out tomorrow to euthanize. We went out to check on him and Lauren told us. We spent about an hour with him. It was heartbreaking!

January 18 at 6:28pm

Shanna Oberreiter awww no. :( I was worried about him this weekend with the way he was acting. That had to be heartbreaking! We both know that Apache will come get him to walk over the bridge. At least for the short time we had him, he was so, so very loved in every way possible. Doesn't matter how long we have them, we love them from the moment we meet them. I'm glad he got to see you today. **Hugs**

Carolina Tiger Rescue Nancy- Marcus has never officially been on tour. He'd only had the chance to enjoy an outdoor enclosure at Carolina Tiger for a couple of months. He was 15 years old- a pretty good age for a tiger. His tumor was discovered while he was still in quarantine. He and 3 other tigers were rescued from WAO in TX last fall. The others (Kizmet, Christian, and Max) may eventually be on the tour route. ~ Amanda B.

Carolina Tiger Rescue Mark- Christian ( formerly China), Kizmet, and Max (formerly Kashmir) have adjusted very well to their outdoor habitats. Kiz and Max are especially friendly and almost always come up to the fence with chuffles. Christian is a little more reluctant, and tends to stay in the back of the enclosure, but will greet visitors with chuffles as well.  1.26.12

Oh, geeze...another WAO tiger with a devestating tumor that ultimately caused his death.  And of course, he never received health care from the WAO.  This is horrible and I'm heartbroken.  I thought of emailing the sanctuary to find out the details of the tumor, but I think the Facebook postings says it all.  Poor Swathe...he deserved so much better in life and to die like this....

Thank God he did not die at the WAO.  May the Lord Bless and keep Swathe in Heaven forever and ever.  Amen

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