BURLINGTON, N.C. — The Conservators Center in Burlington is mourning the loss of its white tiger named "Arthur."
The Center said Arthur died last month after he choked on a piece of boneless meat fed to him by staff members during a routine training session.
Arthur tried coughing up the meat and lost consciousness. Staff members tried to save his life, but it was too late.
"This is incredibly difficult for our entire Conservators Center family, many of whom have known Arthur nearly his entire life," The Center wrote in a Facebook post. "But he was so immediately likable and expressive that this grief touches all of us, even those who have only known him for a short time.
Losing an animal is always painful, but Arthur was special, and the pain of losing him is particularly sharp. We take comfort in knowing that he spent his life here surrounded by the utmost love and care every single day."
Arthur arrived at the Conservators Center at 3-months-old. Staff took care of him for more than 10 years.
