CALGARY (CBC) - A zoo in Quebec's Saguenay region has lost one of its star attractions.

A Siberian tiger named Chaska died Tuesday following a routine operation, officials at the Zoo Sauvage in St-Félicien said.

The 15-month-old tiger fell ill after being neutered last week.

Despite continuous treatment, officials said the tiger's condition continued to deteriorate.

Chaska was transferred to the University of Montreal veterinary school in St-Hyacinthe, but died shortly after arriving.

Officials said an autopsy would be performed to determine the cause of death.

In a statement, the zoo said the death has "deeply saddened the entire staff especially the animal welfare team that had been caring for Chaska."

The tiger had arrived at the zoo from Germany in April, along with his brother and sister.

Zoo officials said they are hopeful Chaskas sister Amurshaya will bring them some good news during the next year. They expect her to mate, producing between two and four cubs.