Officials say Bahadur had been writhing in agony his cage since last week and was referred to a veterinary doctor. Examination of blood samples showed that he was suffering from kidney failure. Bahadur, however, did not respond to treatment and died on December 27.

Unlike yellow tigers, the immune system of white tigers is weak, which often leads to death due to organic problems, doctors say. Though white tigers increase their meat intake in winter they do not drink enough water. This places a burden on the kidneys. Ramu on the other hand, was bitten by a snake on his tail on December 25 and succumbed to his injuries two days later. Doctors from thestate Animal Husbandry Department are examining the remaining eight white tigers at the zoo here to check for diseases.