Limping tiger rescued from circus put to sleep

A 14-year-old tiger rescued from a Spanish circus has been put to sleep after issues from an old leg fracture began to affect her quality of life.

Zoppa, whose name means "limping" in Italian, was brought to Wildheart Animal Sanctuary on the Isle of Wight in 2018, along with four other circus tigers.

The sanctuary said: "While our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing that the final eight years of Zoppa's life were spent exactly as every rescued animal deserves – safe, loved and cared for."

Zoppa, who died on Thursday, leaves behind her lifelong companion, Natasha. The sanctuary said staff would be monitoring her closely "as she adjusts to the loss".

Animal manager Marc Fox, who had cared for Zoppa since she arrived at the sanctuary, said: "I personally have cared for 28 different tigers throughout my career, and I can honestly say that Zoppa has genuinely been the loveliest tiger I have ever had the honour to know.

"Although we always knew that her disability would become harder for her to cope with as she aged, it never made this decision any easier.

"It has been a privilege to care for her, and she will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her."

The sanctuary said Zoppa, who especially loved spending time in the pool, was one of the most vocal tigers at the sanctuary, always greeting her carers with "soft chuffs" [puffing noises].

"Her strength, resilience and gentle nature will never be forgotten," the sanctuary said in a statement.

"Rest peacefully, beautiful Zoppa. You will always hold a special place in our hearts."