Australia's oldest Sumatran tiger dies at Adelaide Zoo

Kemiri was 22 years old and succumbing to age-related problems. Photo / Adelaide Zoo

Australia's oldest Sumatran tiger has died at Adelaide Zoo after succumbing to kidney problems, arthritis and other age-related issues.

Zoo veterinarian Ian Smith says the tough decision to euthanise 22-year-old Kemiri was taken on Wednesday.

"The average life expectancy for Sumatran tigers in the wild is about 12 years and in captivity, about 20 years, so to reach 22 is really positive," Dr Smith said.

"For a number of months, Kemiri had been suffering from a number of age-related conditions which the veterinary team had been treating, but over the past week, her condition deteriorated.

"The veterinary team decided that further medical treatment would not improve Kemiri's quality of life."

Kemiri was born at Taronga Zoo in 1994 and moved to Adelaide Zoo in 1995. She was the oldest of the zoo's three Sumatran tigers.

"Every day was a pleasure to work with Kemiri," carnivore keeper Matt Daly said.

"She would greet her keepers in the morning with an affectionate chuff and lean in for scratches.

"We were so lucky to have Kemiri with us for so long; she was playful and interactive with keepers throughout her years here at Adelaide Zoo and will be fondly remembered."

- AAP