Gladys Porter Zoo Mourns the Loss of Beloved Tiger, Neb

Brownsville, TX (March, 24,2025) — It is with heavy hearts that the Gladys Porter Zoo announces the passing of Neb, a 17-year-old white tiger who served as an extraordinary ambassador for his species. Due to advanced mobility issues and declining quality of life, the Zoo’s veterinary team and Neb’s animal care team made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize him.

Neb arrived at the Zoo in 2008 after being rescued from an illegal wildlife trafficking operation. Six tiger cubs, including Neb, were confiscated by authorities during an attempted sale in a Walmart parking lot. They are living examples of the challenges posed by the exotic animal trade where inbred cubs are taken prematurely from their mothers for public tiger petting and photo ops. Since then, Neb has lived a comfortable life at the Gladys Porter Zoo, captivating visitors and raising awareness about tiger conservation.

Neb began showing signs of age-related mobility issues within the past two to three years. To increase his comfort levels, the Zoo’s veterinary staff provided twice-weekly laser treatments to reduce inflammation. He also received daily medication for pain and his diet was modified to include joint supplements and natural anti-inflammatories. To help support Neb throughout his senior years, his dedicated keepers provided extra soft bedding, both indoors and outdoors, and they provided additional matting in his sleeping quarters to minimize the effort needed to climb to his sleeping bench. 

Despite ongoing supportive care, over time his caretakers documented slower movements, increased reluctance to walk, and a more noticeable limp that was sometimes accompanied by weakness or a loss of balance. 

“Neb was more than just an animal in our care; he was a symbol of resilience and hope,” said Zoo Director Pat Burchfield. “The life expectancy for wild tigers is around 10-15 years. Despite a rough start in life, his relative longevity is a testament to the wonderful care he received from our veterinary team and his keepers, who loved him dearly. He inspired an appreciation for his majestic species in countless visitors to our zoo.”

Neb’s companion, Hobbes, is also 17-years-old, and since November 2024 is similarly experiencing some mobility issues. She has, and will continue, to receive specialized care and medical attention to ensure her comfort into the future. Additionally, Hobbes’ animal care team is keeping a close eye on her well-being following the passing of Neb. 

The Gladys Porter Zoo remains committed to its mission of wildlife conservation and education. Neb’s story highlights the importance of protecting endangered species and combating illegal wildlife trafficking. 

All tiger subspecies are listed as Endangered or Critically Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Their biggest threats include wildlife trafficking, habitat loss, and poaching.