Wildlife park staff have been left saddened by the death of a 31-year-old African elephant.

Kruger had lived at Port Lympne, near Hythe, since 2006.

He had to be put to sleep after arthritis in his hind legs became too painful for him and he had no quality of life.

The death was announced on Facebook.

In a statement, the park said: “Elephant keepers and our team of vets have been treating Kruger for arthritis in his hind legs since his arrival at Port Lympne.

“It is thought that his condition was initially caused because he did not receive enough calcium during his formative years, as he was orphaned at a young age.

“The dedicated vet team treated Kruger with anti-inflammatory medication, alongside a topical medication, similar to Deep Heat.

“Over the past few weeks Kruger’s condition worsened considerably and he needed increased pain relief. His movement became severely compromised and we could not provide him with an acceptable quality of life.”

Kruger was born in the early 1980s in Zimbabwe. He arrived at Port Lympne from Knowsley Safari Park as part of a breeding programme on October 4, 2006.

The park added: “He had a lovely character and was a favourite with visitors and staff alike.

“He particularly enjoyed melons and muffins as treats and his favourite enrichment was being sprayed with water on a hot sunny afternoon.

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