Beloved Popcorn Park tiger dies
The tiger's health had been declining for weeks.
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A beloved tiger named Jess is being mourned by staff and supporters at Popcorn Park Animal Refuge in Forked River.
According to Popcorn Park, the tiger's health began to decline over the past few weeks despite the efforts of caretakers and multiple veterinarian visits.
"While our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing Jess lived a long and full life, reaching an old age for a tiger, and was loved by so many who had the pleasure of meeting her," Popcorn Park said in a Facebook post.
Jess and her brother Eli were 8 years old when they arrived at Popcorn Park in December 2016 from a facility in Colorado. The staff renovated the dens and provided an exercise area for the tigers. Over the years, Jess and her brother became some of the most popular animals at the park.
Popcorn Park said Jess was known for her "playful spirit, splashing in her water feature, chasing after Eli, basking in the warmth of the sun, and happily running over to greet familiar faces with her signature chuffing."
