Serenity Springs Wildlife Center to Attempt Snow Tiger Surgery
Leg Amputation or Euthanasia Only Alternatives
"Snow Magic" One of Only 17 Known to Exist
CALHAN, Colo., Oct. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Julie Walker, Director of Operations, Serenity Springs Wildlife Center, today announced that the non-profit wildlife sanctuary, after consulting with big cat experts, would assemble the veterinary team and attempt to raise the funds to provide special modifications to a surgical table to accommodate the big cat, build a sterile recovery enclosure with a twelve foot high fence and ground level therapy pool, provide medications and several weeks of complicated 'round-the-clock care for Snow Magic, a ten year old, 500 pound, rare stripeless white tiger…one of an estimated 17 remaining in the world.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111025/LA90805)
"Snow Magic is adored by everyone. His friendly "chuffing" at visitors and compelling beauty are unforgettable. We hope our "Save Snow Magic" campaign will save him," said Julie Walker.
Snow Magic's medical problems began two years ago when he suffered a spinal aneurism that paralyzed his back legs. Veterinarians used steroids, acupuncture and massages to heal his right leg. Unfortunately, his left leg muscle has deteriorated to the point where the hip is now dislocated, causing more pain. The medical choices are to attempt surgery so that Snow Magic can live a normal 25 year life expectancy…or euthanize the otherwise healthy poor beast.
White tigers result when the recessive color gene is inherited from both parents. The American Zoological and Aquarium Association asked zoos, which began breeding programs in the 1960s, to stop breeding white tigers because defects are common. Two types of white tigers exist. Exotic animal experts estimate that whites with grayish and black stripes number perhaps 300 in the United States, but stripeless white tigers like Snow Magic are extremely rare; most estimates are twenty or fewer in the world. Snow Magic was retired from magic shows in Las Vegas three years ago.
About Serenity Springs Wildlife Center
Serenity Springs (www.SerenitySpringsWildlife.org) is a 501(c)3 non-profit sanctuary dedicated to the prevention of exploitation and mistreatment of captive wildlife. Located 22 miles east of Colorado Springs, CO, it is home to approximately 120 lions, tigers, cougars, leopards, bobcats and other felines. Our facility holds both state and federal USDA licenses, but receives no government funding. It provides big cat sanctuary, educational outreach and veterinary internships solely through private donations.
SOURCE Serenity Springs Wildlife Center
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