SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - The Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium is “mourning the loss, and celebrating the extraordinary life” of their 16-year-old Amur tiger, Callie.

According to the zoo, Callie was humanely euthanized last week due to progressive health issues related to her age.

Callie was born at the zoo in 2009 as one of six in a litter of cubs.

She was rejected by her mother as a cub and was the lone survivor of the litter.

From there, she was bottle-fed and raised by a care team.

“Callie was a fantastic ambassador for her wild counterparts,” said Blommer, the Carnivore Area Supervisor who helped to raise Callie. “She knew how to capture everybody’s heart and have them love her. The entire team is going to miss her happy noises and cheery disposition each day.”

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