The head of the lion pride at a Kent animal park has died, leaving keepers 'heartbroken'.

Adras, a 17-year-old lion, passed away on Tuesday at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, near Hythe.

He had recently undergone major surgery following poor health, but then took a turn for the worse, bosses at the park said.

Adras was born at the park, run by the Aspinall Foundation, on August 15, 2005.

He was the father of two sets of cubs born at Port Lympne last year, and another three born in 2019 with partner Oudrika.

A statement from Port Lympne reads: "We are heartbroken to report the loss of the head of our pride, Adras, who passed away on Tuesday.

"The 17-year-old lion was a cherished character among staff and supporters alike.

"Born here at the reserve, he was a magnificent old soul with an immense roar that could often be heard reverberating around the park.

"Following a period of declining health, he had recently undergone major surgery, but his condition had sadly deteriorated.

"He will leave a lasting legacy here at Port Lympne, not least with his beautiful young cubs born last year, his son Khari, daughters Binti and Kulinda and enduring partnership with the inimitable Oudrika.

"He will be missed immensely and never forgotten."

Adras and Oudrika's most recent arrivals - four cubs - were born in June last year, although their arrival wasn't revealed until August.

It was the second litter for the parents last year, with three other cubs born in January. Sadly, two of these babies died within weeks of the birth.

Bosses at the park said the second cub had "succumbed to the elements very quickly" after venturing outside in the night, although the circumstances of the death were disputed on social media by people who claimed they saw the cub suffocated by other lions on live cameras.

Port Lympne stood by its original statement when asked about the claims and said it would review any footage.

In April, it was revealed the third cub, named Azi, had been abandoned by its mother and was receiving specialist care at Port Lympne’s sister site, Howletts Wild Animal Park.

Oudrika also gave birth to three cubs in 2019 - named Kulinda, Khari and Binti - the first lions to be born at the animal park in 10 years.

Animal lovers reacted to the passing of Adras on Facebook.

One comment said: "So sorry to hear about this. My thoughts are with the keepers and staff. RIP Adras."
Another said: "So sorry to hear of the passing of Adras, thoughts are with all your staff especially his keepers as they come to terms with his loss, such a beautiful boy."

A third commented: "Such sad news, Adras and his beautiful pride got a lot of us through lock down."