London (CNN) An endangered Sumatran tiger was mauled to death at London Zoo on Friday, just moments after it was introduced to a potential mate for the first time.

Melati, a female tiger and long-term resident of the zoo, was introduced to a new male tiger, Asim, on Friday in the hope the pair would breed in the future.

Keepers were devastated, however, when Asim, a 7-year-old male that had arrived at the London Zoo (ZSL) just 10 days earlier, fatally attacked Melati.

"Everyone at ZSL London Zoo is devastated by the loss of Melati, and we are heartbroken by this turn of events," the zoo said in a statement.

"Asim was moved to ZSL London Zoo as part of the European-wide conservative breeding program, and it was hoped that the two tigers would be able to breed in the future."

Asim, a 7-year-old Sumatran tiger, was transferred to London Zoo as part of the European Endangered Species Programme.

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