History
Romeo tiger passed away Monday, July 13. Romeo’s health had been declining for several months as a result of a progressive neurological disease, making it increasingly difficult to control his hind legs. For his comfort, he had been removed from the tour route in his final weeks. Romeo’s condition took a marked downturn a week prior to his passing, prompting Curator of Animals, Kathryn Bertok, and Veterinarian, Dr. Angela Lassiter, to schedule him for euthanasia. Staff, Romeo’s adoptive parents, and other members of the “CPT Family” were given unlimited visitation over his last weekend to say their goodbyes to him. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his CPT family.
Romeo’s reputation at CPT was legendary. He was rescued from a private owner in
Durham when he was six months old. Romeo grew to be twelve feet long (from his nose to the tip of his tail) and was estimated at one time to weigh over 800 pounds, making him a very large tiger (even listed in blogs as one of the world’s 20 largest tigers).
June 21, 1991 - N&O Owner ‘down and out’ after SPCA sezes his tiger cub June 22, 1991 - N&O Tiger taking new digs in stride
Romeo was a favorite on tours and was particularly notorious for spraying tour guests. His size, spraying ability, and story made him particularly memorable. After purchasing the cub from a pet store in Wake Forest, his owner took Romeo in a convertible (sometimes described as a Cadillac or BMW, but news references indicate a Mercedes) to be declawed and defanged. The vet reported the situation, and authorities granted custody of Romeo to the SPCA, who placed Romeo at CPT.
Romeo’s life at CPT included two mates- Mini, a tiger who passed away in 2000, and later Shalimar. His relationship with Shalimar certainly reflected his name, Romeo was always possessive and protective of his females- including volunteers and adoptive parents. Boyfriends and husbands were not especially welcome. After Shalimar died in 2007, staff could see the difference in Romeo- he began resting in the spots that had been her favorites, and for some time showed signs of missing her.
Tour guides also introduced visitors to the concept of animal “enrichment” using Romeo’s preference for Obsession perfume. “Enrichment” is any item or activity that Keepers provide to captive animals to prevent boredom and “enrich” their lives- and Obsession perfume was a favorite of Romeo’s (most male tigers and ocelots like Obsession). Romeo also enjoyed showers, and of course, treats.
My own favorite memories of Romeo center on our walks. When life was rocky, the remedy was walking with Romeo. The walks reminded me of the childhood Chronicles of Narnia, as the characters Susan and Lucy walked beside Aslan.
Some tigers express their affection every time they see you, others may not have a special connection with you at all (although they may a connection with others). But my interactions with Romeo seemed to express an intuition different from the behavior of other animals. His presence had a sense of wisdom that I have not seen in other big cats since Elwood Jaguar, or perhaps Pena Snow Leopard. A sense that they knew far more than they possibly could from their captive homes.
Romeo was a large tiger, but his presence was ever so much more massive. The connections that humans have with Romeo are that much stronger, because we were humbled by our awe of him, and so grateful to be acknowledged and greeted by him.
Romeo tiger passed away Monday, July 13. Romeo’s health had been declining for several months as a result of a progressive neurological disease, making it increasingly difficult to control his hind legs. For his comfort, he had been removed from the tour route in his final weeks. Romeo’s condition took a marked downturn a week prior to his passing, prompting Curator of Animals, Kathryn Bertok, and Veterinarian, Dr. Angela Lassiter, to schedule him for euthanasia. Staff, Romeo’s adoptive parents, and other members of the “CPT Family” were given unlimited visitation over his last weekend to say their goodbyes to him. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his CPT family.
Romeo’s life at CPT included two mates- Mini, a tiger who passed away in 2000, and later Shalimar. His relationship with Shalimar certainly reflected his name, Romeo was always possessive and protective of his females- including volunteers and adoptive parents. Boyfriends and husbands were not especially welcome. After Shalimar died in 2007, staff could see the difference in Romeo- he began resting in the spots that had been her favorites, and for some time showed signs of missing her.
Some tigers express their affection every time they see you, others may not have a special connection with you at all (although they may a connection with others). But my interactions with Romeo seemed to express an intuition different from the behavior of other animals. His presence had a sense of wisdom that I have not seen in other big cats since Elwood Jaguar, or perhaps Pena Snow Leopard. A sense that they knew far more than they possibly could from their captive homes.
