Photo: Blank Park Zoo
(Des Moines, IA) -- The body of a tiger is helping advance veterinary research after undergoing a rare MRI scan in central Iowa.
The Blank Park Zoo partnered with Iowa Radiology to perform detailed imaging on Bronevik, an Amur tiger that died in April. Zoo officials say the procedure is highly unusual and offers a unique opportunity to better understand the species.
“It’s not every day that you get to perform an MRI on a tiger,” said Alex Payne, marketing and communications manager at Blank Park Zoo. “This is a rare chance to learn how we can better care for these animals in human care and ultimately help protect endangered species in the wild.”
Bronevik was euthanized in April after experiencing a number of ongoing health issues. He had been at the zoo since 2023. Officials say the decision was made as his quality of life continued to decline.
Radiologists were able to adapt MRI technology typically used for humans to complete the post-mortem scan.
Zoo officials say the imaging will help researchers better understand progressive spinal disease in tigers and improve care for big cats in the future.
In addition to the MRI, multiple tissue samples were collected and sent to laboratories across the country for further study.
Photo: Bronevik-Blank Park Zoo