Rocky

Thu 11th January

Some extremely sad news from Paradise

We are incredibly sad to announce that Rocky, our eldest and dearly loved Amur Tiger, has passed away just week’s from his 20th birthday.

Rocky had been unwell for some weeks and after extensive consultations with our specialist vet, Dr. John Lewis, the decision was made to put him to sleep yesterday afternoon, 11th January 2018 – the unenviable task falling to Mark, our local vet at Highfield Practice

Rocky arrived at Paradise Wildlife Park nearly 20 years ago when he was just a little cub. He was collected from a travelling circus in Ireland at 2 weeks old after his mother rejected him at birth weighing only 2lbs. Our owner Peter Sampson and Rachael hand reared him, ably assisted by Colin, Martin, Nick and several others. They all saw Rocky as part of their Family and spent so much time together they got to know each other’s habits & moods. If certain laws were not put in place, Peter would still be going in with him!

Rocky has been an ambassador for Paradise Wildlife Park since he was 6 month’s old. He had such an amazing character and nature, people travelled from all over the world to see him and to take part in his big cat experiences. In fact, over the years Rocky helped us to raise 100’s of thousands of pounds for conservation work and for charities in the UK and beyond.

Rocky lived the last 4 years with two beloved tiger companions, Aleena and Siberia. These sisters seemed to regard Rocky as an older brother and absolutely adored him – many a night spent cuddling and playing together.

In the wild, Amur Tigers live from 8 to 12 years, in captivity they can live up to 20 years, a milestone Rocky would have reached in just a few week’s time.

Rocky leaves an amazing and deeply personal legacy at Paradise Wildlife Park which we’re sure will shine for years to come.

Please feel free to share any lovely photos and memories you have had over the past 20 years with him.

From all of us, the keepers, staff, family and friends of Paradise Wildlife Park/Zoological Society of Hertfordshire, we will miss you Rocky.

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