Dumai in his prime at Orana Wildlife Park in 2007.

A 16-year-old Sumatran tiger has been euthanised in Christchurch after suffering chronic renal failure.

Dumai – the only tiger in the South Island – died at Orana Wildlife Park on Thursday.

A spokesman said park staff would remember Dumai as a very confident and self-assured tiger and loved his independent nature.

David Walker Even the animals at Orana Wildlife Park enjoy getting a Christmas surprise, and Sumatran tiger Sendiri is no different. The keepers wrapped up some treats for him and let him loose to open his presents before the big day. [File video]

He was transferred to Orana with his brother, Sendiri, from Sydney in 2006 into the park's then new tiger facility. Sendiri was euthanised last year, aged 15, due to untreatable leukaemia.

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"Naturally, park staff are feeling the loss of Dumai as it marks the end of an era," the spokesman said.

Tigers are a solitary species. Sumatran tigers are critically endangered and number less than 500 in the wild. They are threatened due to habitat loss as a result of expansion of oil palm plantations, illegal trade and loss of prey.

Orana an active partner in the Zoo Aquarium Association Australasia's breeding programme for the critically endangered species. New tigers will be transferred to Christchurch as part of the programme.

"Dumai was a fantastic ambassador for his wild cousins," the spokesman said.

"He helped Orana raise funds for Wild Cats Conservation Alliance, directly contributing to wild tiger conservation, whilst also highlighting the plight of wild tigers and how visitors can help address palm oil deforestation to conserve these magnificent big cats. He will be sorely missed."