In Memory of Kenny The Tiger <3

In 2000, Kenny the tiger was rescued by the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Reserve in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Kenny was a tiger born from inbreeding; his mother and father were also brother and sister tigers. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge was asked to take in Kenny and his brother, Willie, from a breeder in Bentonville, AR, because he could not sell them due to their deformities, so both male tigers were rescued by the wildlife refuge. Kenny's face showed signs of deformity, especially his mouth that couldn't properly close. His brother Willie, an orange Bengal Tiger, also showed signs of deformity because of inbreeding, specifically being severely cross-eyed. Kenny was born on April 4, 1998 and passed away on June 28, 2008 due to cancer. Scientists are not yet certain how he got downs syndrome, but they are seeing a link between his syndrome as a result of inbreeding. Kenny lived to be 10 years old, Willie lived to be 12 years old. The parents, who appeared to have no genetic deficiencies, were able to live out lengthier lives than their sons. The father of the cubs died at the age of 19 years and the mother just recently passed away at the age of 23.

Join this group to honor Kenny the white Tiger!