A much-loved tiger at Edinburgh Zoo has died after experiencing health issues 'related to age'.

Bosses took to social media on Thursday morning to announce the sad news that Jambi the Sumatran tiger, who arrived at the zoo in 2015, had been put to sleep.

He was from a critically endangered subspecies and was the oldest male of that species known to the zoo.

A statement read: "Everyone at Edinburgh Zoo has been saddened by the loss of our Sumatran tiger Jambi.

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"At 16 years old, Jambi was the oldest male Sumatran tiger known to us and had been experiencing health issues related to his age. 

"Taking into account his quality of life and wellbeing, our veterinary team advised that Jambi should be put to sleep to ensure he did not suffer.

It added: "He will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with those who worked with him closely."

Read more: Sumatran tiger is put down by vets at zoo

Staff, volunteers and visitors quickly took a liking to the animal, and tributes have flooded in following the news of his death.

Sumatran tigers are listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List and it is estimated that under 400 remain in the wild.