Zoo tiger with Las Vegas roots remembered at memorial
HILO, Hawaii — People gathered at Panaewa Rainforest Zoo in Hilo on Saturday to remember a white male Bengal tiger that was a long time star attraction and recently died at age 15.
The Hawaii Tribune-Herald says more than 30 people attended the memorial Saturday to pay tribute to Namaste.
The tiger was euthanized Jan. 16. Zoo officials said he had developed multiple health problems.
At Sunday’s memorial, people shared stories of the animal, which was given to the zoo in 1999 by Las Vegas magician Dirk Arthur. The celebration of life ended with people putting leis around a statue of the tiger.
Namaste has been buried in his enclosure, and officials plan to mark the spot with a monument.