A wildlife sanctuary has announced the death of one of its oldest animals.

Port Lympne in Hythe says Cabinda the De Brazza's monkey – thought to be the oldest of her kind in Europe – died at the ripe old age of 36, which is almost double the standard life expectancy for her species of 20.

De Brazza's monkeys are native to central Africa, but Cabinda was born at Colchester Zoo on the July 3, 1986.

Moving to Kent in April 1989, the large ape was paired up with Mr Jorg - who came to be affectionately known as George.

They went on to have 12 infants together, three of which still live at the reserve. One of them, Dora, has had four offspring herself.

As well as her 12 children, Cabinda had 53 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren and 20 great great-grandchildren.

A spokesperson for the Aspinall Foundation, which runs Port Lympne, says staff at the trust are "heartbroken" at Cabinda's death.

"An amazing, venerable lady, Cabinda had reached the grand age of 36 – a phenomenal age for a De Brazza," they added.

"She was a favourite primate of every keeper, vet, and volunteer that ever worked with her and was full of charisma and vivacious energy, even into old age.

"She celebrated her final birthday in style this summer with all her favourite foods: corn on the cob, spinach, and a tiny bit of malt loaf.

"She had recently moved into a retirement enclosure with another elderly lady De Brazza, Bertha (28), our second-oldest De Brazza. They got on swimmingly, chatting and happily grooming each other.

"Cabinda leaves an enduring legacy here at Port Lympne and she will be missed immensely."