An African lion who was not expected to survive as a cub has passed away aged 18.

Tiny joined The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden with his brothers when he was just two years old, having arrived from Paradise Wildlife Park in Hertfordshire.

While his siblings Kafara and Manzi were given African names, he was nicknamed ‘Tiny’, as he was the smallest of the three.

When he was born, he was very unwell and keepers were worried he would not survive to adulthood.

But not only did he defeat his illness, he also went on to be the last surviving brother.

A spokesman for the Big Cat Sanctuary said: "It’s with a heavy heart we must inform you that on March 18 we had to say goodbye to our elderly African lion, Tiny.

"Tiny was the last surviving of him and his two brothers and the passing of all three of these boys is like the end of an era for us here at the Sanctuary.

"The three boys resided here for almost 17 years, arriving as two-year-olds, just teenagers by lion standards.

"Here they grew from young boys into handsome lions in their prime.

"All three of them living together made an amazing spectacle for everyone to see. Especially when lying, lined up on their platform, side by side."

His rough start may have limited Tiny’s body size but what he lacked in bodyweight, he made up for in his mane.

Keepers at the sanctuary say he had the 'largest and most luxurious mane' of any lion to have lived there and his personality had not been stunted either.

He was known as the ultimate prankster and was always the instigator of mischief, particularly before meal time.

Tiny, often known as ‘Tiny Tot’, was known for his broad, square shaped muzzle and his practically perfect, unscarred face which is rare for lions living with others.

This is because Tiny was good at starting trouble and then getting out of the way while his brothers finished it, letting his ego, as well as his face, remain pristine.

However, over the past year, age had caught up with Tiny.

At 18 and a half years old, he began to slow down and had to be monitored closely.

The Big Cat Sanctuary added: "His joints had been becoming stiff and his balance was not as it was.

"We made the decision to try him on new medication to see if we could improve his condition but sadly, medication no longer had the necessary effect, and we were not able to keep his joint pain under control.

"With the support of Nic, our vet, we made the decision it was time to say goodbye to our Tiny Tot.

"It is never easy to have to say goodbye to any of our cats, let alone those who have been with us for so long.

"Dear Tiny will never be forgotten, he would never allow it.

"His time here has had such an impact on staff and visitors alike and he will always be part of the original foundations of The Big Cat Sanctuary."

The charity in Headcorn Road focuses on welfare, breeding, education, and conservation.

It is set in 32 acres of grassland in Smarden and is home to a variety of different wild cat species from the smallest in the world to the most endangered.