A loud burp might not be everyone’s style for inviting attention from a member of the opposite sex.

But the guttural groans are all part of the mating call of a new arrival at Wingham Wildlife Park.

George, an 11ft American alligator has been making waves ever since he arrived at the attraction a few months ago - specifically vibrating the water in his pond as part of his efforts to attract a female.

Now he may not have to wait too long because the park owner, Tony Binskin is soon to introduce him to a companion.

George, who is 12 years old, came from a private zoo in Peterborough which he outgrew.

But his mate, a 19-year-old female, who is due to arrive in two weeks time, is being loaned to the wildlife park by a zoo in Great Yarmouth.

Mr Binskin said: "We won’t be putting them together straight away because they need to get used to each other. In reality, there is only a slim chance they will breed but she will be some company for George."

He added: "He is the biggest alligator in Kent and not very aggressive. But the keepers still keep him at broom’s length when they go into his enclosure.

"In the wild he would eat fish fish, snails and other invertebrates like, birds, frogs, and mammals that come to the water’s edge. But we feed him on chickens and rabbits.

"He is certainly one of the most popular attractions at the park but so is the walk through lemur enclosure."

Wingham Wildlife Park has a huge variety of animals and is on the A257 between Wingham and Ash, near Shatterling. For more information, visit www.winghamwildlifepark.co.uk