Cameron Park Zoo Announces the Loss of Two Beloved Animals

WACO, TEXAS (December 5, 2025) –  Cameron Park Zoo is deeply saddened to share the loss of two cherished members of our animal family: Tembo, our African elephant, and Maharani, our female Sumatran tiger. These losses occurred yesterday and have profoundly affected our zoo staff and volunteers.

Tembo, who arrived in Waco in 1978 as a young rescue from Africa, passed away  yesterday evening. Her exact cause of death will be determined following a full necropsy conducted by the zoo’s veterinarian.

Tembo, estimated to have been born in 1976, celebrated her 49th birthday on July 4th, a date chosen to coincide with the nation’s bicentennial the year she arrived. In 1993, she moved to Cameron Park Zoo, where she became not only a beloved presence but also an important ambassador for her species. Generations of guests learned about elephant conservation through her gentle nature, her curiosity, and even her love of painting. She was adored by her animal care team, who provided dedicated, round-the-clock attention throughout her life.

Earlier the same day, the zoo also experienced the heartbreaking loss of Maharani, our 19-year-old Sumatran tiger, who was humanely euthanized after a prolonged decline in health. Extensive veterinary evaluations revealed that her vision issues were likely related to a declining neurological ability rather than just cataracts. If her condition was allowed to progress, it is likely she would have suffered hind limb paralysis in addition to blindness. With her quality of life in mind, the humane decision was made to let her go peacefully.

Maharani was born May 24, 2006 and came to Cameron Park Zoo from the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. She was the zoo’s oldest Sumatran tiger and an important part of her species’ conservation story, giving birth to two litters with her companion, Kucing. She was known for her fierce spirit, her love of enrichment activities, and especially her enthusiasm for tearing apart enrichment boxes.

Tembo and Maharani were deeply loved by their caregivers, each of whom is grieving these losses. The health and well-being of all animals remain our highest priority, and both animals received comprehensive, attentive care from their care givers and the zoo’s veterinarian until the end of their lives.

We ask the community to keep our zoo family in their thoughts during this difficult time and to join us in honoring the lives of Tembo and Maharani—who inspired learning, compassion, and conservation in all who encountered them.