LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A 16-year-old Sumatran tiger at the Louisville Zoo died after suffering from several health issues, the zoo announce Monday.

Kami Sambal arrived at the Louisville Zoo in 2022 and leaves behind six cubs with 14-year-old female Jingga, including a new cub they just welcomed this year.

The zoo said Kami Sambal began showing signs of declining health. He was suffering from a decline in kidney function and anemia, which the zoo said is usually a sign of underlying cancer. Zoo medical staff made the decision to euthanize him.

"Saying goodbye to a member of our extended family is hard, but we always consider an animal's wellbeing and what's best for their overall outcome," Dan Maloney, director of the Louisville Zoo, said in a news release Monday. "Our focus now is celebrating the incredible legacy Kami has left behind, both from his offspring and his impact as an ambassador for his species. Throughout his life, Kami helped inspire millions of guests to care deeply about wildlife and we honor his contribution to tiger conservation efforts."

For now, Kami Sambal and Jingga's newest cub is behind the scenes and bonding with its mom, but plans are being made for a public viewing soon. Guests are invited to follow updates and watch the tiger cub's first weeks by viewing the zoo's Tiger Cub Cam at louisvillezoo.org/cubcam. 

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