Guest guest Posted September 2, 2006 Report Share Posted September 2, 2006 http://www.bornfree.org.uk/big.cat/greenwich.shtml Tiger Greenwich (1985 - 2006) [image: greenwhich - photo Tony Wiles] *Just days after the euthanasia of the first lions rescued by the Born Free Foundation, we have more sad news to report: the euthanasia of Greenwich, one our first rescued tigers.* Greenwich was one of six tigers confiscated from the run down Cross Bros Circus in Kent. It was the start of the Born Free Foundations's relationship with the generous readers of the Mail on Sunday who launched an appeal to send Greenwich and his companions to a special 15 acre camp in Bannerghatta Wildlife Park in India. The tigers arrived in December 1987, having exchanged a circus wagon where they could only take three steps in any direction to forest where they could run, possibly for the first time in their lives. Gradually, over the years, his companions died but Greenwich remained. Then, in 2002, he seemed to take on a new lease of life when he was transferred to Born Free's new tiger sanctuary within a private area of the wildlife park in Bannerghatta. It was hoped that he could perhaps be introduced to the elderly Tiger Ginny, but she would have none of it. In fact, Greenwich was more interested in the six year old Zeudy, his other neighbour. She did not return his interest either, but they all lived happily alongside each other, seeming to get on better as neighbours than house mates. In March this year it was noticed Greenwich was slowing down and his breathing was getting a bit wheezy. He was also spending more time in his night kraal, seeming to prefer the short grass and shady trees in there than the thick undergrowth of his two acres of jungle. Then, on 14th May, our Animal Care Consultant, Tony Wiles, received an email from the Bannerghatta Park Director informing him that the health of Greenwich was deteriorating and he appeared to be getting weaker. However, Greenwich was still eating and did not seem to be in distress. On the 18th May Tony received a further mail saying that Greenwich was now not in good condition at all. It was decided to bring forward Tony's next scheduled visit by five weeks and go out there as soon as possible to see what could be done for Greenwich. By the time Tony arrived at the park the ageing Greenwich's condition had deteriorated further and he was starting to suffer. On 28th May it was decided, with much sadness, to euthanase him. Greenwich was cremated and his ashes were scattered over the forest which had been his home for almost 20 years. Rest in peace Greenwich. ------------------------------ Tribute from Virginia McKenna * " This amazing old tiger was a true survivor. For me he was a very special link to the past, as my husband Bill and I had accompanied the six tigers to India, and Greenwich remained a symbol of how we can help individual animals to a decent and sympathetic retirement. Hopefully his memories of the circus beast wagon had faded long ago. Our memory of him will remain - as will our gratitude to all those who looked after him over the years and understood that, as the quality of his life had come to an end, it was time to release his spirit. " * Virginia McKenna, Born Free Founder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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