Gulf Shores, Ala. - (OBA) - In a melancholy announcement, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo disclosed the loss of Rani, their beloved Bengal Tiger. Rani, following the recent demise of her brother Rajah, was 19 years old - an impressive age for a Bengal tiger, equating to the human age of 90–95 years.

Rani arrived at the zoo when she was merely a cub, enchanting both visitors and caretakers from the start. As Rani aged, a dedicated team of zookeepers and veterinarians attentively monitored her health. Regrettably, Rani had become mostly blind and hard of hearing, and her health further deteriorated when she was diagnosed with renal failure.

As her quality of life started to decline, the difficult decision to humanely euthanize Rani was made. "Rani spent her entire life here at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo," said Joel Hamilton, the Zoo's Executive Director. "Our staff, who adored her sassy and spirited nature, were honored to look after her."

Hamilton further shared that Rani's presence at the zoo offered more than just joy to the staff and visitors; it also served as a powerful lesson on the importance of wildlife conservation and environmental preservation.

Rani was known and adored for her playful antics, such as destroying boxes, lounging in her water tub, and teasing her brother Rajah, often waking him up from his sleep and pretending innocence. Her character and charm will be deeply missed by all.

The Bengal tiger is listed as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The species' survival is threatened primarily by habitat and prey loss due to human expansion, poaching, and the illegal wildlife trade.