'Nero enjoyed his life': Siberian tiger dies at big cat sanctuary Catty Shack Ranch

Teresa Stepzinski, Florida Times-Union
·2 min read
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In failing health, Nero, a 19-year-old Siberian tiger and the oldest resident at nonprofit Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jacksonville, was humanely euthanized Monday night.
In failing health, Nero, a 19-year-old Siberian tiger and the oldest resident at nonprofit Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jacksonville, was humanely euthanized Monday night.

The oldest and largest Siberian tiger at a nonprofit Jacksonville wildlife sanctuary has passed away.

Due to chronic health issues including age-related arthritis, 19-year-old Nero was humanely euthanized Monday night, Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary officials said in a Facebook post.

"As inevitably happens, old age caught up to Nero and the decision was made to guide him on his way to the Rainbow Bridge," the post said.

Nero was about 6 years old when he came to Catty Shack Ranch in 2010. Until then, he'd lived in a private zoo that no longer could care for him, according to the sanctuary's website.

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Weighing about 600 pounds, Nero recently was given the honor of being the first tiger to move into a new habitat. Although he moved slowly, he explored every inch of the enclosure.

"He could often be seen laying by the pool and playing with the floating ball when it came by. Nero did not just enjoy the habitat, the pool, or his toys; Nero enjoyed his life," according to the post.

Nero may be gone but he is not forgotten.

"… He remains in our hearts — caretakers, support staff, and everyone who met him during the 13 years he allowed us to care for him. It was our pleasure and our honor to be there for sweet Nero, and we will miss him every day."

Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, 1860 Starratt Road in North Jacksonville, is dedicated to "providing a safe, loving and forever home to endangered big cats and to educate the public about their plight in the wild as well as in captivity. The sanctuary does not breed, trade, sell, or buy any of its animals, which include tigers, lions, pumas, leopards, lynx, foxes, and coatimundis, according to its website.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Siberian tiger Nero dies at Jacksonville's Catty Shack Ranch