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SALT LAKE CITY — Animal caretakers at Utah's Hogle Zoo had to say goodbye to a tiger who unexpectedly died from urinary and bladder issues last week.

Nikolai, the Amur tiger, was affectionately known as Nik to everyone who worked at the zoo. He was a healthy 15-year-old tiger but started developing urinary and bladder issues in recent months.

Veterinary teams had been monitoring him closely and consulting with experts to explore treatment options, the zoo said. In an exam in October, a veterinarian noticed he had an enlarged bladder, and a treatment plan was developed.

"Despite advanced care, Nik's condition continued to decline. After a sudden decline on Nov. 14, Nik passed away," the zoo announced Tuesday.

Nik came from the Denver Zoo to the Hogle Zo

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