Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
MPR News Staff

Minnesota Zoo's oldest tiger dies at 16

Molniy the tiger
Minnesota Zoo's oldest tiger, Molniy, pictured here, has died. He was 16 years old.
Courtesy of Minnesota Zoo

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

The Minnesota Zoo's oldest tiger, named Molniy, has passed away. He was 16 years old.

Molniy came to the Minnesota Zoo in 2002 from the Detroit Zoo. The Zoo announced Wednesday that the Amur tiger had surpassed the expected lifespan of 10 to 15 years. He died Sunday after being treated for various age-related conditions including arthritis.

"Molniy was a favorite among his zookeepers," said Northern Trail Curator, Diana Weinhardt. "He will be greatly missed by all the staff who worked with him in the 14 years he was here."

The Zoo currently cares for three other tigers: four-year-olds Sundari, who is Molniy's offspring, and Patrice, and six-year-old Putin.

According to the Minnesota Zoo, the largest of all cats and one of six remaining tiger subspecies, the Amur tiger is a top predator of far eastern Asia. Amur tigers are carnivores, eating mostly large mammals such as deer and wild boar. Conservation efforts help protect these endangered animals from the persistent threats of poaching and habitat loss.