First white tiger to undergo dental surgery dies

"Super", the 20 year old white tiger who had the distinction of being the first of its tribe in India to have undergone a 'root canal' procedure for his tooth in 1992, died in Rajiv Gandhi Zoological park at Katraj near here, zoo officials confirmed today.

Super, who lived the full average span of a tiger's life, was brought to Pune zoo in 1990 from Orissa. When his tooth was infected, veterinary surgeons took X-rays and performed the root canal surgery with proper capping that enabled him to lead a healthy life.

Dr Vinay Gorhe, who was part of the three member team of doctors, said that Super also had a 'supernumerary' (extra) tooth in his nasal cavity which was removed and preserved.

"Super, considered to be the star attraction of the Rajiv Gandhi park, had been confined to a separate cage due to old age, Zoo officials said.

He had given up taking food during last few days preceding to his demise yesterday, they said.