Zoo Miami says goodbye to two animals

MIAMI (WSVN) -- It's normally a place where you'd find people smiling, but on Tuesday, a South Florida zoo is feeling the blues after two of its residents died.

The Indian Rhino named Mohan was a legend at Zoo Miami. "I remember him being one of the first animals I became acquainted with," said Zoo Miami spokesperson Ron Magill. "I used to go back and feed him carrots on tours with celebrities and dignitaries."

Not only was he the old, wise man around the exhibit. "The rhino was the oldest living one of it's kind in the world," said Magill. "The fact that we have that is a testament to this place."

Monday, Mohan's time ran out. "Mohan took two long breaths and just went to sleep," said Magill. He was 44 and a half-years-old, far beyond his life expectancy. "He had really slowed down in last few weeks," he added.

And it was starting to hurt for this massive mammal. "Mohan was in a very deep sunset of his life here," said Magill. "One of the promises we make to each other and the animals is not going to let them suffer."

But for Tevy, the 12-year-old Malayan Tiger, her time came too quickly. "That came kind of all the sudden," said Magill. "She was not a young animal, but not geriatric," he added.

The female tiger died Monday, too. Zookeepers said it was liver failure. "Hopefully we learn something from her," said Magill.

Before Tevy died suddenly on Monday, zookeepers were trying to mate her with fellow Malayan Tiger Hati. Now, to keep the collection of tigers going they will conduct an international search for another female. "They're beautiful," said Kim Smith. "Their markings are very regal."

It was a somber day at Zoo Miami. Even the other animals looked like they felt the losses. "In the case of most animals," said Magill, "they live longer than they would normally would have in the wild."

But it is not all somber news at the zoo. This month, Zoo Miami welcomed two cheetahs and hatched an eagle, the upside of the circle of life.

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