Malaika

One of the oldest lions in the UK has died, our keepers have announced today.

Malaika, an African lion, who was born at the estate, was just weeks away from her 20^th birthday when she passed away peacefully in her sleep.

She had been experiencing age-related difficulties as documented in the current series of Animal Park being screened daily on BBC 1 this week.

Darren Beasley, Head of Animal Operations, said: “Malaika was the Queen of Harry’s pride, and we know she was much-loved by guests and keepers alike. She was found in the morning by our keepers having died peacefully in her sleep, which was a lovely way for her to go.

“While it is always sad when we lose an animal, the length of her life is testament to the care she has received over her years at Longleat as the average lifespan is around 14 years.”

Lions were the first animal to feature in Longleat’s drive through safari when it became the first to open outside Africa in 1966 and there are now two prides, one with Harry and the other led by Klaus and Simba.