A new tiger has arrived at a Kent zoo.

Named Achilles, the young male Sumatran tiger weighs an impressive 125kg and has recently moved to Howletts Wild Animal Park near Canterbury from ZSL London Zoo.

He has been relocated as part of a breeding programme designed to save the critically endangered species from extinction.

Poaching and loss of habitat have drastically reduced their numbers and it is believed there are only 400-500 of the mighty animals left.

To help Achilles - who once fully grown, could weigh up to 140kg - settle in to his new home, specially trained keepers have been feeding him special treats.

Mark Hawkes, deputy head of carnivores at Howletts said: "Achilles is already settling in well to his new habitat.

"He's a very handsome cat, strong and confident. He's been exploring at his own pace and when he's not exploring he's either sunbathing on one of his high platforms or resting in the shade.

"Achilles is very motivated by food and he seems to really enjoy this type of interaction with us, although he likes to remind us that he is mighty by occasionally hissing at us through the fence."

The park was forced to put down a female Sumatran tiger, Indah, last August after she began suffering from advanced osteoarthritis.

Animal director Adrian Harland, said: "It is a sad fact that Sumatran tigers are critically endangered in the wild.

"Captive breeding programmes could play a vitally important role in saving the species and, once we have introduced Achilles to a suitable mate, we are all hoping that it won't be long before we hear the patter of tiny paws at Howletts."

Howletts will be holding a special event for International Tiger Day on Sunday, July 29. For more information visit www.aspinallfoundation.org/howletts.