Monday, October 24, 2011

Raja Is At Peace

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Raja, 19 ½ year old Bengal tiger, on Sunday, October 23, 2011.

Raja is survived by Jasmine, his sister, and his offspring, Samu whom both live at In-Sync Exotics.  Jasmine and Raja came from the same drive-thru animal park that was subsequently closed years later due to inhumane living conditions for its animals.

For approximately 11 years, Raja and Jasmine were bred together at the animal park, having at least 2 litters of cubs every year for 7 years. Since both tigers carry the white recessive gene, the breeders were hoping they would produce many money-making white tigers.  Raja was also the father of Vicky's beloved Kenya (her first tiger) and Midas—both whom lived with us for many years before passing away.

Raja and Jasmine arrived at In-Sync Exotics on February 3, 2003, and for the next 9 years, both cats flourished under our care. 

Sadly, Raja was diagnosed December of last year as having renal failure.  Even though there is no known cure for this progressive disease, we were able to keep Raja comfortable by giving him subcutaneous fluid treatments every four days for about 10 months. 

Last week we noticed a change in Raja’s behavior, which was a sign to us that Raja was slowly slipping away.  He had stopped eating and refused to get up and move around his quarters.  We prayed his condition would improve, but sadly, his health condition continued to decline.

One of the hardest decisions we ever have to make is whether or not it’s time to let an animal quietly slip away from us or to continue administering treatments in the hope that the animal will resume eating, drinking and playing.  With the help of our veterinarian’s diagnosis, our own intuition, and our loving understanding of Raja’s wishes, the decision to let him go peacefully was made Sunday afternoon.  Before he left us, we shared with him our final words of love and admiration for this beautiful tiger—Raja was truly at peace. 

We will always have fond memories of Raja playing with his sister, Jasmine.  Both tigers loved their toys, and especially liked to play with their balls in their swimming pool. However, they spent most of their time cuddling or playing with each other (see video below).  We will do everything we can to ease Jasmine’s grief over the loss of her cage mate as truly she will feel the loss of Raja greater than anyone one of us here at In-Sync Exotics.  God bless Raja as he travels to this side of Heaven called the Rainbow Bridge.





Living with animals can be a wonderful experience, especially if we choose to learn the valuable lessons animals teach through their natural enthusiasm, grace, resourcefulness, affection and forgiveness.  — Richard H. Pitcairn




Lasting loving moments between Jasmine and Raja

.

5 comments:

  1. As a Wylie resident and neighbor of Insync I have seen the work you do, I have seen VK drive miles to rescue abused and neglected big cats. My heart is with you all and I thank you for seeing beyond our selfish human needs and allowing Raja to go in loving peace.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is so sad but for the best, love you Raja may you be at peace. One of the most beautiful cats in the world.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Know that you will be missed, oh precious one. Your passing over Rainbow Bridge will allow you to join those before you who are now in a land of eternal sunshine, plentiful food, no enemies and a place without pain. You are our loss, but you have enriched the land on the other side. May playtime fill your days and pleasant dreams fill your nights. Remember that you are loved by all who knew you and will never be forgotten.
    Lou and Sue Diamond

    ReplyDelete
  4. RIP Raja, we loved coming to see you and chuff with you. You will be missed.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I always loved Raja. What a beautiful boy. He also gave me one of my best big cat pictures at the sanctuary ever. Miss you big guy :(


    Greg Z

    ReplyDelete