The pitter-patter of tiny tiger cub paws could soon be on the cards thanks to a new arrival at Howletts Wild Animal Park.

Keepers at the Canterbury park have this week welcomed nine-year-old Aguia to her new home in the hope she can start a family.

Shipped over from Germany, the Sumatran tiger has taken up residence in Kent as part of a breeding programme designed to save the critically endangered species from extinction.

Aguia, who has been confidently exploring her new surroundings, will slowly be introduced to the mighty male Achilles who arrived at Howletts in the summer.

Only time well tell on whether the big cats' pairing will be a success, but whatever the outcome, the duo's arrival is bound to put a smile on keeper and visitor faces.

The number of Sumatran tigers has drastically fallen in recent years due to poaching and loss of habitat. It is thought there are only about 450 left in the world - making them the smallest surviving tiger subspecies.