Michael Jackson's tiger "Thriller" died of lung cancer at the Shambala wildlife preserve in California run by Actress-activist Tippi Hedren's.
Hedren said that the 13-year-old, 375-pound tiger died June 11.
"It's very hard for all of us when these animals go away," Hedren told the Associated Press. "Fortunately for Sabu and Thriller, they came in healthy and content. They had no problem with being in quarantine for 30 days. They adjusted so well."
Shambala didn't have a lot of room, but after Jackson left Neverland, his veterinarian asked Hedren to take the cats at her Shambala Preserve in Acton, about 50 miles north of Los Angeles. Both cats lived with Jackson until May 4, 2006, Hedren said.
Hedren built a $79,000 territory alongside the preserve's lake which was a very good environment for Thriller. According to Hedren, both Thriller and her brother Sabu had a great life there. Thriller and her brother Sabu were born on Nov. 20, 1998 at Jackson's Neverland ranch.
Shambala requires $75,000 in donations every month to stay open but once the cats were transferred to the wildlife preserve, Jackson never called to enquire about the tigers or sent money for their care.
Hedran said she sent a package of photos of Sabu and Thriller and T-shirts and other memorabilia to Jackson's children through the staff, "but we never heard a word back. I just think it's odd," she said.
With 15 tigers in the compound Sabu is now alone in the habitat he shared with Thriller. Hedran told AP, though Thriller was very popular among visitors and media.
"She didn't care. She was not a diva and didn't mug for the camera. We all loved her for it," she said.
An autopsy was performed to find out the cause of death before Thriller was cremated. The staff at the Shambala held a private service when the ashes are buried in a section of the wildlife preserve specially built for the animals that die there.
"Thriller was a real piece of work, one gutsy girl," Hedredn said. "She ruled Sabu's life. It was humorous to watch the whole relationship. She did things to him that male tigers would normally never allow. She would steal food from him. That's unheard of. She ruled the roost, was very independent and tough."
Shambala is home to over 50 big cats, including lions, tigers, cougars, black and spotted leopards, servals, bobcats, and Asian leopard cats. According to the website they took these animals from different zoos and private owners who cannot take care of their pets.
The Roar Foundation, founded in 1983 by Hedren, exists solely to support the abandoned exotic felines at Shambala Preserve. The reserve keeps organizing different tours like Sunset Safari and more to attract more and more tourist.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
