KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's only captive-born Malayan Tiger, Si Cacat, has died of old age.
The male tiger passed away at around 8pm on Nov 8 in its enclosure at the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park.
The park shared news of Si Cacat's death in a Facebook post, stating that the tiger had been under its care for several years.
It said that the tiger suffered from severe arthritis from a young age, causing it to have trouble walking,
Its situation worsened as it aged alone. Tigers are solitary animals.
"The management mourns the death of Si Cacat because he was not only a park icon but also signifies the inevitable journey to extinction of this species," it stated.
It added that the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park would continue to work with conservationists to continue rehabilitation and public education initiatives on the importance of protected endangered species in Malaysia.
News of Si Cacat's death brought an outpouring of condolence messages, many of whom said they went to the park just to see the tiger.
With Si Cacat's death, the Malayan Tiger exhibit at the park will be closed to visitors.
