Moncton's most famous animal resident seems to be rallying back from a terminal illness. Tomar, a Siberian tiger, was diagnosed earlier this year with kidney failure and given only weeks to live.

Tomar the Siberian tiger, shown in this zoo file photo, has been a beloved attraction for almost 20 years.
(Magnetic Hill Zoo/Canadian Press)

Veterinarian Dr. Andre Saindon said Wednesday the big cat at the Magnetic Hill Zoo is showing an unexpected improvement.

"Well, he has surprised us," Saindon said. "In January he had lost a significant amount of weight, and we expected him to go downhill because of his symptoms, but his symptoms have improved."

Two months ago Tomar was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure after zoo workers noticed he was urinating a lot more frequently, and not eating enough, losing about 45 kilograms.

It was feared the tiger would be dead in weeks, and even those who know Tomar well, like his faithful keeper Bernie Gallant, were surprised at the tiger's ability to bounce back.

"We've been giving him medication, and he eats that out of our hands," Gallant said. "So we give him a little piece of meat with medication in it, and we make sure he gets it every day. Another thing we're making sure is his meat is varied."

Keepers started him on a new diet in February. Tomar is still munching on fatty meat, which is easier on his kidneys, and a heater has been placed in his quarters. The special treatment may give visitors another chance to view Tomar, as Gallant and Saindon said the tough tiger will most likely be around when the zoo reopens for the season next month.

Gallant said he's savouring this time, because he knows Tomar's condition could quickly turn for the worse.

"He's not going to live forever, I know that," Gallant said. "But at least this way we still have a while with him."