Rare tiger killed during breeding attempt at Cheyenne Mtn. Zoo

Workers at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs are mourning the loss of a rare Amur tiger.

Zoo officials said Zoya, an 8-year-old Amur tiger, was killed after an attempted breeding introduction with a male tiger, Ivan.

After five months of positive breeding interactions between the two, and
two days this week of successfully breeding several times, tragically, Zoya
became aggressive with Ivan during a breeding session late Wednesday
afternoon, the zoo said.

Staff were able to separate the tiger with a fire extinguisher. But Zoya suffered a life-threatening injury as Ivan defended himself against her, the zoo said.

Zoya was born at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo on June 19 , 2008. She was the only
cub in her litter.