SPOKANE, Wash — Cat Tales is mourning the loss of one of its beloved tigers.
A Facebook post from the zoological park in Mead, Washington, says Zeus passed away on Tuesday evening after nearly 20 years at Cat Tales.
“He brought joy to so many with his love, chuffs and boisterous vocalizations for nearly two decades. While there is sadness in losing such a beloved soul, we take joy in our endless memories with Zeus,” the post reads in part.
Cat Tales asked people on social media to share their favorite memories and photos of Zeus, and tributes have since poured in. Many people said Zeus was their favorite tiger at Cat Tales.
One commenter said she knew Zeus was special when she found out he had the same birthday as her brother who had passed away and loved tigers.
“My condolences to all the staff who adored Zeus and took care of him,” the person wrote on Facebook.
Another commenter said her children’s first photo with Santa Claus was accompanied by Zeus and another tiger called Apollo.
One person said they were lucky enough to be a student at Cat Tales when Zeus was a cub and recalled fond memories in the nursery with him.
Cat Tales’ co-founder, Mike Wyche, passed away in August after 28 years of helping to run the zoological park with his wife.
