Potter Park Zoo’s Amur tiger Vikentii dies

Vikentii, a Amur tiger and one of the stars of Potter Park Zoo, has died, the zoo announced Monday.

The 16-year-old tiger was well past the median life expectancy for Amur tigers in human care and was being treated for age-related arthritis, the zoo said. Last week he had a sudden decline in mobility and further treatments were not able to improve his condition so vets and zoo staff made the decision to euthanize him.

Amur tigers are one of the most endangered big cats in the world.

Vikentii recently enjoyed playing in the snow and for years has helped to inspire people out of his Lansing home.