Nisha had been unwell for the past month.
Auckland Zoo's only tiger, Nisha, died yesterday, just months before getting a new mate.
The Sumatran tiger, one of Auckland Zoo's most popular attractions, died after suffering what staff believe was a stroke.
The 9-year-old tiger had been unwell for the past month but staff had been unable to pinpoint
the problem.
However, her lungs and liver were found to be riddled with what are believed to be cancerous growths.
Auckland Zoo communications and promotions co-ordinator Jane Healy said Nisha had been treated with antibiotics for a cough and eye problem and her appetite had been monitored daily for the past month.
Zoo staff had planned to anaesthetise her this morning for an examination, but yesterday morning staff found her semi-conscious in her den.
Nisha died about midday.
The zoo had been hoping Nisha would breed with a male Sumatran tiger called Oz, who is expected to arrive from Tel Aviv in September.
The zoo's breeding programme is still set to go ahead, with Nisha's sister taking her place.
The studbook keeper who holds the records of all the tigers in captivity found Nisha's sister at Hamilton Zoo and she is to be sent to Auckland.
The sister is about 5 years old. "We don't know a lot at this stage," said Auckland Zoo director Glen Holland.
"Everybody is still feeling a bit hollow and stunned."
He said the growths found in Nisha's lungs had been sent for analysis and the results would be available in about two weeks.
He said staff were shattered by Nisha's death, the tiger made famous on programmes like The Zoo.
"There wouldn't be a child around that probably didn't know Nisha's name."
He encouraged people who wanted to show their sympathy or help to call a donation line which would enable them to support the preservation of Sumatran tigers.
SAD REMNANTS OF DYING BREED
* Nisha was a Sumatran tiger.
* The Sumatran tiger is critically endangered with between 300 and 400 surviving in the wild.
* There are 160 in captivity.
* Anyone wanting to make an automatic $25 donation to the Tiger Time campaign to support the captive breeding programme can donate by calling 0900 TIGER.
