Elderly Malayan tiger euthanized in Houston Zoo

Houston Zoo on Wednesday humanely euthanized one of its elderly Malayan tigers, Pandu, who had stopped eating and showed signs of pain, a local media reported.

The decision came after the tiger's keepers and veterinary team found that the 16-year-old tiger had stopped eating and showed signs of severe pain, a local TV station KTRK said.

"It is never an easy decision to euthanize an animal, but it is one we make with the animal's well-being as the top priority," said Sharon Joseph, vice president of animal operations at the Houston Zoo.

Provided with four incredible veterinarians, a complete veterinary clinic and world-class animal keepers, the zoo's animals receive the best care possible, including end-of-life decision, Joseph said, adding that while it is always exciting to celebrate births at the zoo, Houston Zoo also mourn heavily when one of their animals dies.

Pandu, one of the zoo's most requested painters, was renowned for his purple painting performance and his works can be found hanging in homes around Houston.

For many years, Pandu, who was survived by his habitat mate, a 14-year-old female Malayan tiger named Satu, received a combination of stem cell therapy and arthroscopic surgery to address the orthopedic issues in his right elbow. These treatments were believed to prolong his life, and give him the energy to participate in some of his favorite activities -- swimming and painting.

Currently, Malayan tigers are critically endangered with only about 300 remaining in the wild. Endi