The daughter of an animal park boss has shared a video showing her "beautiful and natural” connection to lion cub she hand-reared.

Freya Aspinall helped her dad and The Aspinall Foundation boss, Damian, keep Zemo and Zala alive after their mum Grace died at Howletts, near Canterbury, in the summer.

Keepers spotted on video footage that Grace had been in discomfort overnight, with the veterinary team at the animal park taking action straight away.

However, she was unable to regain her strength and died later in the day with mate Khari by her side.

While looking after the cubs in his mansion at Howletts, Mr Aspinall shared regular updates on their progress.

Freya also helped hand-rear the pair and today (Saturday) posted an adorable video of “her baby” Zemo cuddling up to her.

She is seen sat on the floor of the enclosure patting his belly and kissing his head.

The lion cub is then seen to lick her face before she moves him away.

Freya said: “Zemo's mother died at our sanctuary when he was just three days old of a uterus infection therefore we have had to hand rear him and his sister Zala.

“Since then, I have been able to develop a beautiful, completely natural bond with him and very soon he will be in the wild where he belongs with Zala.

“It is too late to rewind but together we can rewild.”

The cubs have been moved into an enclosure opposite the lion-tailed macaques in front of the Howletts mansion.