Other events in Baltic States

The Riga Zoo's Siberian tiger Vasja, who last year became the father of the zoo's tiger cup Kilfs Grants, has died.

Vasja, who was born at the Banham Zoo in England in October of 2008, arrived at the Riga Zoo in May of 2010.

As LETA was informed by Riga Zoo spokesman Maris Lielkalns, Vasja recently underwent surgery on an infected tooth, but did not wake up after being given anesthetics. An autopsy was carried out after the surgery, and veterinarians discovered that Vasja had a heart condition. According to records, Vasja's mother also had a similar heart condition.

The Siberian tiger is an endangered species, with only about 500 left in the wild. Taking into account that there are so little Siberian tigers left in the wild, as well as in captivity in zoos around the world, zoos must be careful to avoid inbreeding of tigers, so that their offspring remain healthy.

Vasja and the Riga Zoo's female tiger Katrina gave birth to tiger cup Klifs Grants in July of last year.