Mantecore, the tiger responsible — but never blamed — for a near-fatal injury to Roy Horn of Siegfried & Roy in 2003, died on March 19. 
 
 The white tiger was 17 and died “after a short illness,” according to a press release. Zoologists say 17 is within the lower-end parameter of a normal life expectancy for a tiger. 
 
 The tiger (his name usually spelled “Montecore” in press reports) was reported as seven years old the night he bit Horn on the neck during a show at The Mirage. Though Horn suffered significant blood loss from the bite, it was a stroke and brain-swelling which followed the injury that left Horn partially paralyzed, ending the entertainer’s stage career. 
 
 Mantecore was quarantined for 10 days following the Oct. 3 injury, but was then returned to exhibit at The Mirage’s Secret Garden of Siegfried & Roy attraction after no signs of disease or abnormal behavior were found. He spent most of his remaining years alternating between the Secret Garden attraction and Horn’s estate. 
 
 Even during the early days of his recovery, Horn was adamant in his wishes the tiger be spared, and has always argued with reports that he was “attacked” by the tiger. Siegfried & Roy have long contended Horn suffered a stroke onstage, and that the tiger punctured his neck while dragging him backstage as a protective response. 
 
 As recently as his 69th birthday party last October, Horn chided Review-Journal columnist Norm Clarke for his word choice in a column recounting the incident. “It was not an attack,” Horn said in a scolding tone and repeated it. 
 
 Horn released a statement today: 
 
 “The world has lost one of its most majestic creatures and I have lost a brother. 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. We spent many hours together and he never failed to bring me great joy and wonderment. It was my great honor to be beside him at the end. He is now playing with his siblings in White Tiger heaven.” 
 
 Horn added, “His contribution to the avalanche of awareness for conservation and preservation has made him unforgettable. His spirit will live forever with Siegfried & Roy and his multitude of fans.” 
 
 Contact reporter Mike Weatherford at mweatherford@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0288. ||||| Siegfried & Roy are in mourning. 
 
 The Las Vegas-based entertainers famous for incorporating white tigers into their elaborate, illusion-packed stage shows announced today the death of Mantecore, one of their prized pets and former costars. 
 
 And yes, the name is particularly familiar because it's the same big cat that nearly mauled Roy Horn to death onstage during a performance on Oct. 3, 2003. 
 
 According to a rep for the longtime couple (both onstage and off), Mantecore passed away on March 19 after a short illness at the age of 17. He had been living at the Siegfried & Roy Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage hotel in Vegas.
– The tiger that nearly killed Roy Horn of Siegfried & Roy in 2003 has died at age 17, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. The tiger, Mantecore, bit Horn on the neck during a show at the Mirage. Following the incident, Horn suffered a stroke and brain swelling that left him partially paralyzed and ended his stage career. But he never blamed Mantecore, refuted reports that the tiger "attacked" him, and allowed the tiger to spend the rest of his days between his own estate and the Mirage's Secret Garden of Siegfried & Roy. After the incident, Horn's only stage appearance has been at a benefit in 2009 that actually featured Mantecore, E! notes. In fact, Horn and entertainment partner Siegfried Fischbacher insist Horn actually suffered the stroke first, and Mantecore was simply trying to drag Horn backstage to protect him. The tiger died last week "after a short illness," according to a press release. Says Horn in a statement, "The world has lost one of its most majestic creatures and I have lost a brother. 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." He adds on Facebook, "My lifesaver, 'Mantecore,' ... was the one responsible for pulling me to safety where the Paramedics could help me after my high blood pressure made me dizzy on stage."