A 10-year-old jaguar known for her feisty attitude and maternal attentiveness was put down by zoo staff due to complications she experienced recovering from anesthesia after a surgery, it was announced Friday.

Magia, who lived most of her days at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, died there Thursday after surgery to alleviate a chronic eye problem.

“The team at The Living Desert is heartbroken over Magia’s passing. She was an incredible ambassador for her species,” said RoxAnna Breitigan, director of animal care at the zoo. “We do find comfort in the memories we have of her, knowing that her legacy lives on through her three cubs and the amazing connections she had with guests.”

Magia was euthanized by zoo staff after she was unable to recover from anesthesia following the eye surgery. It is unclear why she could not recover, according to zoo officials, who are still awaiting the results of a necropsy.

Born in Texas, Magia relocated to the Coachella Valley in 2011. There, she birthed two litters of cubs: two boys in 2014 and another in 2017. Zoo officials say she was an attentive and caring mother.

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