This isn't necessarily a question...just a shoutout to Ruby the Tiger at Mill Mountain Zoo in Roanoke, Virginia. Ruby was euthenized this last weekend (she was ailing and elderly) and we are all going to miss her dearly. So, post your thoughts here about Ruby...a good friend to the Roanoke and Valley region.
2006-12-11 03:49:42 · 5 answers · asked by VA Mamma 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
December 11, 2006
ROANOKE, Va. -- Ruby, a tiger that had been a top attraction at Mill Mountain Zoo since 1988, was euthanized because of failing health.
"It was the right decision," Sean Green, the zoo's director, said during a short news conference Sunday. "It's a tough day."
Ruby was taken in by the zoo in November 1988 after being confiscated from a private owner in Danville. She was believed to be 19.
"You can say the word 'Ruby,' and everyone in this community knows who that is," Greene said. "For her to live this long and have the life she did ... I hope it was a great experience for her."
Ruby began showing increased signs of old age this year. Her fur had faded in color and zoo workers had to alter her diet more than five times because of her flagging appetite.
This summer, she weighed in at 235 to 240 pounds, down from 350 pounds in her prime. She had arthritis in her left shoulder as well as hearing loss.
Ruby's veterinarian, Bill Poage of Valley Animal Hospital in Roanoke, said if Ruby were a human she would be the equivalent of 80 to 85 years old.
--> http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/virginia/dp-va--rubythetiger1211dec11,0,6641224.story?coll=dp-headlines-virginia
2006-12-11 03:51:36 · answer #1 · answered by DanE 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have never been to the Mill Mountain Zoo and, in fact, live way across the country but that's too bad about poor Ruby. I guess it was kinder to put her to sleep than to let her suffer but I tend to believe animals should be allowed to pass naturally--- if at all possible.
RIP, Ruby!
2006-12-11 03:58:16 · answer #2 · answered by Jackie Blue 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Wow, I live in Roanoke too! I was so sad when i heard. The poor thing. At least she won't suffer any more. I only saw her once, but she was beautiful.
2006-12-11 03:53:05 · answer #3 · answered by Nancy M 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
yeah, it's sad.
i'd like to get a hold of her hide. it'd make a wonderful rug in my foyer.
i could donate a huge amount of money to the zoo... since they need the money and all while facing possible loss of accreditation as a zoo.
ruby made the zoo what it was in it's highlight years.... it's a shame that the zoo is now going to go into an even darker pitfall of despair.
2006-12-12 04:26:43 · answer #4 · answered by jason29445 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Ruby is not tiger
2006-12-11 04:02:38 · answer #5 · answered by babai 7 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋