On Monday, the Highland Wildlife Park shared that male Amur tiger Botzman has passed away at the age of 14.

The park, based in Kingussie in the Cairngorms National Park, said the tiger was put to sleep following an age-related illness.

Botzman was 14 years old (Image: Highland Wildlife Park)

While vets at the park had been providing him with specialist geriatric care, Botzman’s health deteriorated further and the team made the “difficult decision” to put him down.

Botzman first arrived at the Highland Wildlife Park in October 2020.

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He was a father to seven cubs, including Nishka, who still lives at the park with her mother Dominika.

Amur tigers are classed as endangered and live in the wild in isolated pockets of Russia’s Amur River valley and China’s north-eastern border.

With an estimated wild population of just 450, more Amur tigers now live in zoos than in their natural habitat.

Botzman pictured at the Highland Wildlife Park (Image: Highland Wildlife Park)

A spokesperson for the Highland Wildlife Park said: “We are sad to share the news that Botzman, our beloved male Amur tiger, has been put to sleep at the age of 14 following an age-related illness.

“Our veterinary team and animal keepers had been providing him with specialist geriatric care for more than a year, ensuring he had the best quality of life possible. With his health deteriorating in recent days our vet team made the difficult decision to put Botzman to sleep.”

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The spokesperson added: “This gentle boy was a father to seven cubs including Nishka, who still lives here at the park with her mother Dominika.

“We know he will be hugely missed by everyone.”

Tributes have poured in following the death of Botzman, with one person writing on social media: “Had the oy of meeting him at the tiger experience a few years ago, he was a delightful creature.

“I’m sorry for the loss the keepers will be feeling.”

Another said: “RIP you beautiful boy you left behind an incredible legacy.”

A third added: “Rest easy, Botzman! [heart emoji]”.

The Highland Wildlife Park, run by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is home to around 30 different species, including polar bears, wildcats, artic foxes and snow leopards.

Click here to find out more about the park.