Keepers at Dudley Zoo have shared the news of the death of the attraction’s ‘beautiful’ Asiatic lioness, Kyra.

Due to age-related declining health over recent weeks and following consultations with the zoo’s veterinary team, the decision was made to put the 17-year-old to sleep.

A spokesperson for the zoo said her dedicated keepers are ‘understandably devastated by her loss’.

Born at Edinburgh Zoo in 2006, Kyra, alongside her sister Asha, joined Dudley Zoo from Twycross Zoo in 2009 and they’ve both been firm favourites with visitors ever since.

However, plans were already in place to bring in a new companion for the two lionesses and bosses hope to continue with this move.

Asha, also aged 17, will remain in the one-acre Lion Ridge paddock where she will be joined by the new arrival in the coming months.