Dudley Zoo announce death of lioness and say 'she will be missed'

Dudley Zoo has announced the death of a "much-loved" big cat. Asha, the Asiatic lioness was "peacefully put to sleep" due to declining health.

Bosses said her ill-health was age-related, revealing she would have turned 18 next week. She outlived sister Kyra by 11 months, with the pair arriving at the zoo together in 2009.

Asha was a firm favourite with visitors and staff alike, with the zoo stating she would be "missed by all". It's hoped a new lioness can be brought to the zoo "in the near future" to keep Keshari, the four-year-old resident male company.

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A statement on the zoo's Facebook page read: "We've got some sad news to bring you today, as our remaining lovely Asiatic lioness, Asha, has passed away. Asha, who would have turned 18 years-old next week, was peacefully put to sleep by the zoo's veterinary team, due to age-related declining health.

"She was much-loved and will be missed by us all here at DZC [Dudley Zoo and Castle]. Asha came to live at DZC in 2009 alongside sister, Kyra, who she outlived by 11 months. Keshari, our resident four-year-old male, who joined us last summer, will remain in the paddock and we'll be working with the EEP studbook to bring in a new lioness in the near future."