Before the crowds arrived each morning, Malena would chuff — a low, breathy greeting her keepers came to know by heart. She wasn’t much for mornings, they said. But she always let them know she was there.
This week, that familiar sound fell silent.
Brookfield Zoo has announced the death of Malena, its 11-year-old Amur tiger whose strength, stillness, and medical milestones left a mark on those who knew her — and the many more who only watched in quiet awe.
Veterinarians discovered that Malena’s kidneys were failing, and her heart was struggling to keep rhythm — likely caused by undiagnosed cancer. After an examination and consultation, the zoo made the decision to humanely euthanize her. Final necropsy results are pending.
Malena arrived in 2020. She was calm, observant, and often seen lounging on her favorite custom-built beds. In 2021, she made history as the first Amur tiger in North America to undergo a full hip replacement. When the implant dislodged, she underwent a second surgery and recovered again — a testament to both her resilience and the veterinary team who cared for her.
“She had a quiet strength,” one zoo caregiver said in the original announcement. “She was majestic, but also gentle.”
Visitors may not have known her medical story, but many remembered her presence.
“She was such a majestic creature,” one guest wrote on Facebook. “I remember watching her lounge in the sun during my visits. Rest in peace, beautiful girl.”
“My kids always looked forward to seeing Malena,” another said. “She had a regal presence that captivated us all.”
Malena’s death is being felt across the zoo community. Her story, shared widely over the years, became a symbol of what was possible — not just in animal care, but in patience and persistence.
Brookfield Zoo continues to care for Whirl, another Amur tiger, and says it remains committed to the conservation of the critically endangered species. Fewer than 500 remain in the wild.