WESTCOAST NEWS
B.C. Wildlife Park says farewell to beloved Siberian tiger

Kamloops Daily News

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

KAMLOOPS - A memory book is being compiled featuring people's fondest memories of Zef, the Amur (Siberian) tiger that called the B.C. Wildlife Park home for the past 13 years.

The 18-year-old tiger was put down Friday afternoon, only days after showing the first signs of kidney failure, said park's general manager Rob Purdy.

"Zef was a close friend to everyone who works or volunteers at the park and to many people in the Kamloops community. I know that many children in the community will also be saddened to learn of this loss," Purdy said.

That's why the park's staff have chosen to compile Zef stories, from kids and adults alike, that Purdy wants to unveil at the special Thanksgiving Day festivities next month. He then hopes to compile those stories into a book that will be kept at the park in honour of Zef.
© The Vancouver Sun 2005