Wildlife park devastated after rescued lion dies

Staff at a wildlife park said they are "devastated" following the death of one of their rescue lions.

Clarence and his brother Brutus, who died in 2022, were among the first big cats to arrive at Wingham Wildlife Park in 2012 after being rescued from a French circus.

The park said that Clarence's health had been declining due to his age and, after his condition worsened despite medical efforts, he was "peacefully euthanised" on Monday morning.

"Although today is an incredibly sad day for us, we take comfort in knowing that after such a difficult start in life, the majority of Clarence's years were spent surrounded by love, dignity, compassion and the care he always deserved," it said.

The rescue lion, who was due to turn 19 this year, was partially sighted with a scar across his eye from his early years at the circus, but his keepers described Clarence as "strong, inquisitive and resilient".

"Thank you to everyone who loved Clarence as much as we did. Your support over the years has meant so much, and we know he captured the hearts of so many of you," the park said.

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