Thriller, Michael Jackson’s tiger, dead by lung cancer: report
World-renowned illusionists and conservationists Siegfried (L) & Roy (R) pose with singer Michael Jackson (M) and Apollo, a rare white siberian tiger backstage at The Mirage on August 6, 2002 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Michael Jackson's tiger, Thriller, has died of lung cancer at an animal preserve near Los Angeles, reported The Associated Press.
Actress Tippi Hedren told AP the 13-year-old tiger, who lived with the famed pop singer at Neverland from 1998 until 2006, passed away on June 11 — following the death of his master by three years this month.
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Hedron owns the Shambala wildlife preserve, home to Thriller and brother Tiger Sabu after a vetenarian asked Hedron to take the cats in, she told AP.
But it would seem Thriller and Jackson's relationship was not one of dog-like lifelong love and loyalty, with Hedren claiming the legendary singer never called about his former tiger pets or offered any financial assistance for them.
Nonetheless, Thriller and Sabu were well-provided for, having moved into a $79,000 home on the shores of a lake at the preserve, according to AP.