Downtown Aquarium's white tiger Reef dies

• White tigers typically live about 10 years in the wild, per Prappas, and longer in captivity.

What they're saying: "Reef was a beloved member of the aquarium family and an essential part of the tiger exhibit who loved interacting with guests and playfully exploring the habitat," Prappas said. 

Context: Over the years, the aquarium has received backlash for having four white tigers — Reef, Nero, Mariana and Coral — in its downtown enclosure, many questioning why the tigers are at an aquarium. 

• In 2019, the aquarium, a subsidiary of billionaire Tilman Fertitta's Landry's Inc., expanded its tiger exhibit to include an outdoor greenspace to their enclosure to give the animals more room to roam after criticism regarding the facility's size. 
• The aquarium has pushed back against criticism, saying that the tigers are well cared for and that the aquarium is accredited by organizations like the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Landry's Inc. has also sued animal rights groups for defamation. 

The aquarium did not address Axios' inquiry about whether it would acquire another white tiger. 

What's next: Reef's body has been donated to support scientific advancement and education research programs, the Houston Chronicle first reported.