For more than 20 years in the heart of the Mykolaiv Zoo: tigress Penelope has died
Penelope is one of the oldest and best-known residents of the establishment
On Friday, 19 June 2026, Mykolaiv Zoo reported the death of the Amur tigress Penelope — one of the oldest and most renowned residents of the institution.
The sad news was published on the zoo’s official page on Facebook.
Penelope was born at the Mykolaiv Zoo 21 September 2005. She lived for over 20 years, which is a very respectable age for an Amur tiger.
During her life the tigress became an integral part of the zoo’s history and a favorite of many generations of Mykolaiv residents and city visitors.
Motherhood held a special place in Penelope’s life. Together with the male Helios she gave life to 20 cubs.
Later her descendants were sent to various zoos, contributing to the conservation and breeding of the rare Amur tiger species.
Penelope was one of 2 tigress sisters born in Mykolaiv. Her sister Agrippina continues to live at the zoo.
Visitors can see Agrippina in the enclosure of the “Island of Animals” complex.
The staff of the Mykolaiv Zoo noted that Penelope will forever remain in the memory of employees and visitors as an important part of the institution’s long history.
The zoo mournfully said goodbye to the longtime favorite of visitors.
“It is sad to realize that even the longest life eventually comes to an end. Penelope will forever remain in our hearts, in the memory of staff and visitors as an integral part of the Mykolaiv Zoo’s long history. Bright memory to our Penelope”.
Previously we wrote:
- Capybaras Alf and Lata debuted at the Mykolaiv Zoo
- The tiny one is already exploring the world: a rare white kangaroo joey is growing up at the Mykolaiv Zoo
- Puma baby boom: a quartet of spotted ‘cougars’ was born in Mykolaiv
- A cat, a bottle and two wild felines: a lynx and a puma were raised at home in Mykolaiv
- Mykolaiv Zoo celebrates the birthdays of Amur tigresses Penelope and Agrippina
