The former Cabinet minister Boris Johnson visited a zoo in Kent yesterday, and appeared anxious as one of the animals attempted to eat his hat.

The MP took the trip to Howletts as part of his research into the Aspinall Foundation ahead of a Telegraph article he'll write on the organisation.

As part of his experience, the staunch brexiteer met Saba the Cheetah who took an interest in his clothing.

In a tweet about the visit, Mr Johnson said: "This weekend I went to @howlettspark where I met Saba the cheetah who will soon be released into the wild.

"He nibbled my hat. You can see I was totally calm and at ease. Tomorrow in the @Telegraph I’ve written about the incredible work the @aspinallcharity are doing."

Saba the Cheetah made headlines in November when he escaped to a nearby deer park and killed two of the animals.

Established 35 years ago, the Aspinall Foundation is now a leading conservation breeder and often returns animals to the wild.

The organisation broke the record in June for the most Western Lowland Gorillas births of any conservator - 140 - across its two parks Port Lympne and Howletts