A Kent zoo has had to put down a 12-year-old Sumatran tiger.

Carnivore keepers at Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury say Indah was suffering from advanced osteoarthritis.

She was being treated by vets and a leading orthopaedic surgeon but in recent weeks was suffering increasing pain which could not be controlled.

Writing on its Facebook page, a park spokesman said: "Following numerous evaluations and discussions, our animal director, vet team and keepers made the difficult decision to euthanise Indah. This was the most necessary and humane course of action.

"Indah was a very special animal, born in 2005 at Dudley Zoo. She arrived at Howletts Wild Animal Park as part of a breeding programme in 2006.

"She had a lovely character and was a favourite with visitors and staff alike. She had a very special bond with Amir our male Sumatran tiger.

"The pair would always enjoy a good head rub in the morning and they enjoyed nothing more than sitting out on the high platform in their enclosure, soaking up the sunshine.

"We are sure that our visitors and supporters will be as saddened by this news as we are."