A pair of white lioness sisters are set to move in to a Kent animal park.

Zuri and Izulu are to become the newest members of The Big Cat Sanctuary when they arrive next month.

The attraction in Smarden, Ashford is welcoming the duo from its sister park Hertfordshire Zoo.

Zuri and Izulu were both born at the site formerly known as Paradise Wildlife Park.

Izulu was born in April 2009 while Zuri followed in January 2013.

The sanctuary says the pair's new chapter will allow them to enjoy their twilight years.

A spokesperson for the sanctuary said: "These beautiful lionesses are set to move to The Big Cat Sanctuary in January 2025, where they will enjoy their well-deserved retirement in peace and tranquillity.

"Known for their bold and playful personalities, the lionesses bring a unique dynamic to their new home.

"Izulu is the more relaxed and reserved of the pair while Zuri is affectionately nicknamed the troublemaker.

"From chasing pigeons to enthusiastically dismantling plants and trees, Zuri’s antics have kept the team on their toes and she’s sure to provide plenty of entertainment - and extra work for our gardeners - at the sanctuary.

"Welcoming white lions like Zuri and Izulu allows us to educate visitors about their unique traits and conservation challenges - all while ensuring these incredible lionesses receive the exceptional care they deserve in their golden years."

The white appearance of the lionesses is caused by a genetic mutation known as leucism, rather than them being a separate subspecies.

Females can weigh up to 300 pounds and be between seven and 10 feet long.

However, current population numbers of white lions are estimated to be less than 24,000 - down from as many as 200,000 in 1900.

The announcement of their arrival comes less than two months after nine-year-old clouded leopard, Django, joined the sanctuary.

Born at Dortmund Zoo in March 2015, Django landed on Kent shores from his home of six years, Pairi Daiza animal park, in Belgium, on October 7.

The cat park also celebrated the arrival of African lioness, Yuna, in August.

She is one of five lions who will eventually arrive at the centre as part of its 'Big Cats in Crisis' campaign.

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The initiative will allow a forever home to be provided to the animals who were previously living at the Wildlife Animal Rescue (WAR) in Kyiv - a site which has seen debris blasted close to enclosures as a result of the country's war with Russia.

Yuna will soon be joined by Rori, Amani, Lira, and Vanda, who are all at holding facilities while they wait to make the journey to Kent.

The sanctuary has raised more than £490,000 of its £500,000 target which will go towards transportation costs, veterinary treatment and help fund the construction of its Lion Rescue Centre.