Mesker Park Zoo Mourns Sudden Loss Of Beloved Sumatran Tiger Luna

Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden is mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Luna, a 3-year-old Sumatran tiger who had quickly become beloved by her care team and the Evansville community.

Zoo officials shared the news in a detailed and emotional statement, asking the public to read carefully and respond with compassion as staff continue to grieve the loss of a young animal they worked tirelessly to protect.

Luna’s Journey To Evansville

Luna was born at the Oklahoma City Zoo in 2022. She arrived at Mesker Park Zoo in Southern Indiana in 2024 as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan for critically endangered Sumatran tigers.

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Although still young, Luna showed steady progress under the care of Mesker’s animal husbandry team. Zoo officials noted that while she was still learning to trust, her keepers built a meaningful bond with her in a short time through patience, consistency, and dedication.

That trust played a crucial role when Luna began showing signs of illness.

What Happened To Luna

Earlier this week, Luna’s keepers noticed she was experiencing vomiting and immediately alerted the zoo’s veterinary team. She was started on medication, but when her condition did not improve after 24 hours, an emergency veterinary exam was scheduled.

The examination included bloodwork, radiographs, and an abdominal ultrasound. Imaging revealed what appeared to be a foreign object lodged in her esophagus. A board-certified radiologist specializing in zoo medicine reviewed the findings.

After recovering from anesthesia, Luna was monitored overnight. When her condition worsened, the veterinary team worked urgently to locate a specialized facility that was capable of advanced imaging and emergency surgery.

Early Saturday morning, Luna was transported approximately three hours to a facility equipped for CT scans, endoscopy, and surgical intervention.

Read More: Mesker Park Zoo Breaks Attendance Records in 2025

A Rare And Devastating Medical Emergency

Tragically, just before a CT scan could be performed, Luna passed unexpectedly. Despite emergency medications and multiple rounds of CPR, the veterinary staff were unable to save her.

A post-mortem CT scan and full necropsy confirmed that a piece of cartilage from a knuckle bone, a normal component of a tiger’s diet, had perforated her esophagus and caused a collapsed lung.

Zoo officials explained that ordinarily, tigers are capable of chewing and digesting this material safely, but it is believed Luna may not have fully chewed the piece before swallowing. Veterinary consultants indicated that even if the object had been removed, the severity of the injury would likely have led to the same outcome.

Zoo Asks For Compassion And Kindness

Mesker Park Zoo emphasized that this was a rare and devastating situation and does not reflect anything less than the highest standard of animal care.

“Our veterinarian and animal care staff did heroic work trying to save Luna,” the zoo shared. “Our staff is grieving deeply, just as our community is.”

Zoo officials asked the public to approach the situation with kindness and grace, recognizing the emotional toll on the keepers and veterinary staff who worked selflessly on Luna’s behalf.

What Comes Next At Mesker Park Zoo

The zoo is continuing to work with the AZA Sumatran Tiger Species Survival Program to identify placement for a new tiger in the future. Officials noted that the process may take time.

Luna’s loss is felt profoundly, but her life and the care she received continue to reflect the commitment to conservation and animal welfare at Mesker Park Zoo. The full statement can be found on Facebook.