Norfolk, VA – Virginia Zoo staff and volunteers are mourning the death of Siberian tiger, Shaka Khan, who lost her fight with malignant bone cancer over the weekend. Shaka was 18 years old.

In May 2010, the Zoo sadly announced the death of Shaka’s sister, Shere, from an aggressive form of skin cancer and also at that time reported that Shaka had been diagnosed with bone cancer. In recent weeks, staff observed the tumor on Shaka’s leg was growing significantly while she also was losing weight. She passed away Friday in her exhibit home.

“Although we knew this was inevitable,” says Zoo executive director Greg Bockheim, “our Zoo family is grief stricken. The keeper staff has cared for both of these amazing animals since they were cubs, and for all of us, this is like losing a beloved family member.”

At 18, Shaka was considered an elderly tiger – the average lifespan in captivity is between 15 to 20 years.

Who:         The OneSight Vision Van is coming to the Virginia Zoo to give free eye exams and glasses to over 100 pre-selected children!

What:        Volunteer doctors and eye care professionals will provide free eye exams and glasses to area children whose families cannot afford to pay for the services.  While they wait for their glasses, the kids and their families will receive free admission to the Virginia Zoo.

When:       Wednesday, September 29 and Thursday, September 30 from 9:00 a.m.

Five Aldabra tortoises – the second largest land tortoise in the world – are moving into the Virginia Zoo today! The largest, a male named A.J., will be transferred to his new home at noon, and the big adventure will begin for this reptile that weighs 475 pounds, and his new fans!