Bhubaneswar: A Royal Bengal Tiger namely 'Nandan' died at the Nandankanan Zoological Park here on Saturday, zoo officials said.

The 17-year-old big cat had been unwell for the past three months, facing difficulties in walking due to arthritis in his waist. Veterinary orthopedic specialists were treating the animal.

In February, Nandan was shifted to the zoo's veterinary hospital when his condition deteriorated.

Nandan had entered the zoo in 2013 from Chandaka Sanctuary, possibly straying from there in search of a mate, according to zoo authorities.

During his time at the zoo, Nandan had offspring with tigress Megha, siring two cubs in 2016 and three more in 2021.