Pittsburgh, PA — The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium has announced plans to auction the preserved hide of its beloved Amur tiger, Zeus, who passed away last month after being humanely euthanized due to age-related illness and severe mobility issues. The announcement is part of a broader initiative to raise funds for sustainable breeding programs within the zoo’s acclaimed Big Cats conservation effort.
Zeus, who was 19 years old at the time of his passing, had long been a cornerstone of the zoo’s educational and conservation missions. Known for his regal presence and calm demeanor, Zeus arrived at the Pittsburgh Zoo in 2010 and quickly became a favorite among staff and visitors alike.
“Zeus was more than an animal under our care — he was an ambassador for a vanishing species,” said Dr. Marina Caldwell, Senior Wildlife Director at the zoo. “His presence helped spark curiosity and compassion in thousands of guests. Now, even in death, he continues to serve a higher purpose.”
The decision to preserve and auction Zeus’s hide was made after extensive consultations with wildlife ethicists, conservation partners, and legal experts. The zoo emphasized that every step of the process adheres to strict national and international wildlife preservation laws. Under regulations enforced by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife guidelines, the trade of exotic animal hides is heavily restricted. However, exceptions exist for animals that have died naturally or were humanely euthanized under professional care in accredited institutions. All permits necessary for the auction have been properly secured.
The auction, scheduled for June, is expected to draw interest from collectors, philanthropists, and conservation organizations worldwide. Early assessments place the estimated value of Zeus’s hide at up to $150,000 — a figure that reflects both its rarity and the rigorous legal and ethical procedures followed in its preservation. All proceeds will benefit the zoo’s sustainable breeding initiatives, which focus on pairing endangered big cats for genetic diversity and long-term species viability.
Amur tigers, also known as Siberian tigers, are critically endangered, with fewer than 500 remaining in the wild. Native to the Russian Far East, they face significant threats from habitat fragmentation and poaching. “The funds from this auction will help us build stronger breeding coalitions, invest in veterinary research, and enhance naturalistic enclosures that replicate wild conditions,” said Dr. Caldwell. “This is Zeus’s legacy in action.”
While some members of the public have raised concerns about auctioning an animal’s skin, zoo officials have emphasized the transparency and legality of the process. A companion memorial exhibit will open alongside the auction, showcasing Zeus’s life through photos, video highlights, and written testimonials from keepers and guests.
“Zeus wasn’t just a tiger. He was a teacher,” said longtime zookeeper Alan Reyes. “His life changed people. Now his passing will help change the future for tigers like him.”
The auction, part of what the zoo is calling the Zeus Legacy Fund, will be livestreamed with international bidding available. Interested parties can begin registering through the Pittsburgh Zoo’s official website in early May.
Truth Bureau 