Mantecore, the tiger that mauled Roy Horn of Siegfried & Roy has died at the age of 17 on March 19. The duo announced the death in a statement on Tuesday.
In a lengthy post on Facebook, the duo paid tribute to the tiger that participated in their shows.
“He is greatly missed, however, I have my memories and I know that now he is playing with his brother and sister,” said Horn.
Mantecore, whose involvement with the illusionists has been overshadowed by the bloody incident a decade ago, passed away at the Siegfried & Roy Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage hotel.
CNN reports Mantecore lunged at Roy onstage in 2003, attacking his neck and landing him in critical condition. He underwent two surgeries and remains partially paralyzed after the incident but Horn’s partner, Siegfried Fischbacher, defended the tiger on Larry King Live just days later.
"Listen, I say it was an accident," he said at the time.
"I will forever believe it was his concern for my safety and well-being that caused him to act as he did on that night long ago," Horn said.
The injuries canceled Siegfried & Roy’s Vegas show.