Longtime Mesker Park Zoo jaguar Beliza passes away

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - Mesker Park Zoo officials say their longtime jaguar Beliza has passed away at the age of 20.

According to zoo officials, Beliza was born at Zoo New England in 2006 and came to Mesker Park Zoo in 2007.

Over nearly 20 years, Beliza formed remarkable relationships with her caretakers and veterinary team, allowing them to provide her with the best care when she needed it most.

They say six years ago, Beliza received a cancer diagnosis and was given a prognosis of approximately six months to live. She defied the odds, living an active and vibrant life thanks to a regimen of chemotherapy and the efforts of her dedicated care team.

On Tuesday morning, animal care staff found Beliza reluctant to move and exhibiting poor appetite.

By midday, Beliza’s condition had deteriorated and vet staff elected to sedate her to provide supportive care and perform an examination, bloodwork, radiographs and an ultrasound to search for answers.

While conducting an ultrasound scan during her exam, the vet team discovered a large blood clot in Beliza’s heart. She eventually went into cardiac arrest, and despite heroic life-saving efforts, including CPR and emergency medications provided by the veterinary and animal care teams, she passed away.

Mesker Park Zoo officials released the following statement, saying, in part:

“Our staff is grieving and we know our community will grieve with us. Beliza brought joy and wonder to so many during her 19 years at Mesker Park Zoo, and we know her loss will be felt profoundly. We invite you to share your favorite memories and photos of Beliza as we remember her together.”

Reba, the zoo’s newest jaguar, will eventually make her way to Amazonia and call Beliza’s former habitat home.