Karmactive Staff
Brookfield Zoo Chicago has lost one of its most remarkable residents. Malena, an 11-year-old Amur tiger known for her quiet strength and medical breakthroughs, was humanely euthanized on May 23, 2025, after veterinarians discovered she was suffering from kidney failure and dangerous heart rhythm problems.
The zoo’s medical team found that Malena’s condition was likely caused by an undiagnosed cancer. Preliminary examination results point to a cancerous process that had severely compromised her health.
“She had a quiet strength,” said one of her caregivers. “She was majestic, but also gentle.”
Malena arrived at Brookfield Zoo in 2020 and quickly became known for her calm demeanor. Staff particularly remembered her morning “chuffing” – a soft, breathy sound tigers make when greeting familiar people – and her preference for lounging on custom-built beds. Keepers affectionately noted she was “not much of a morning cat.”
Medical Pioneer
In 2021, Malena made veterinary history as the first Amur tiger in North America to undergo a total hip replacement. This groundbreaking procedure used a custom-designed implant specifically created for her unique anatomy.
The surgery required extensive planning, including advanced CT scans and practice sessions using 3D-printed models of her hip. The zoo’s veterinary team worked with outside medical experts, using technology typically reserved for human patients.
When the original implant later dislodged, Malena underwent a second complex surgery where doctors removed the implant and performed a femoral head and neck excision – another testament to her remarkable resilience and the skill of her medical team.
Dr. Michael Adkesson, Vice President of Clinical Medicine for the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, expressed profound sadness at her passing. These surgeries pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in treating big cats and will inform future veterinary care for felines.
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Beyond One Tiger
Malena’s story highlights the precarious situation facing Amur tigers, also known as Siberian tigers. Fewer than 500 remain in the wild, mainly in Russia’s Far East and northeastern China. These magnificent animals face serious threats from poaching, habitat loss, and human encroachment.
Zoos like Brookfield play a crucial role in preserving endangered species through programs like the Species Survival Plan, which helps maintain genetic diversity in captive populations.
“My kids always looked forward to seeing Malena,” one visitor wrote on social media. “She had a regal presence that captivated us all.”
Brookfield Zoo continues to care for another Amur tiger named Whirl and remains committed to tiger conservation efforts. For the many visitors who watched Malena lounge in the sun or saw her recover from her surgeries, her legacy as both a medical pioneer and a symbol of tiger conservation will endure.
The impact of her groundbreaking hip replacement surgery extends beyond her individual case. The techniques developed and refined during her treatment will help veterinarians treat other big cats, potentially saving more lives in the future.
For the keepers who heard her morning chuffs and the visitors who admired her quiet dignity, Malena was more than just a zoo animal – she was a reminder of what we stand to lose if tiger conservation efforts fail.
