Jasira, one of the UK's oldest lions, dies aged 20

One of the oldest lions in the UK has died just months before her 21st birthday.

Jasira was matriarch of one of two prides at Longleat safari park in Wiltshire.

"Several of our lions have or are reaching this grand age, and whilst it is always sad to lose an animal, we are very proud that she lived as long as she did, as her age is a testament to the care she received here," said Amy Waller, Longleat's carnivore team manager.

Longleat, which is celebrating 60 years since it introduced the first drive-through safari outside of Africa, also revealed it is planning to add another pride of lions to the park.

Staff at the estate are planning to establish the new pride with the arrival of two female southern lions.

The naming of the arrivals has been opened to public vote, with the winners due to be announced later this month.

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