Louisville Zoo mourns 16-year-old tiger

The Louisville Zoo is mourning the loss of a 16-year-old tiger. The zoo announced Monday the death of Kami Sambal, a Sumatran tiger who arrived last year. Meet Kami's son in the player above. They said Kami began showing signs of advanced age after an unexpected and rapid decline in his health. According to the Big Cat Sanctuary, Sumatran tigers live an average of 12 to 15 years. Despite intensive care, medications and pain management, further tests revealed that Kami was suffering from declining kidney function and anemia, which they say often indicates an underlying cancer such as lymphoma – a condition commonly seen in geriatric tigers. Zoo medical staff decided to humanely euthanize him. “It's hard to say goodbye to a member of our extended family, but we always think about the animal's well-being and what is best for its overall development,” said Dan Maloney, director of the Louisville Zoo. “Now we are focused on celebrating the incredible legacy Kami has left behind, both through his descendants and his impact as an ambassador for his species. Over the course of his life, Kami has inspired millions of guests to care about wildlife, and we honor his contribution to tiger conservation.” They said Kami fathered six cubs, including the youngest tiger cub born at the zoo in July. Kami's youngest son is still building a bond with his mother behind the scenes, so he is not yet on display.