A LION who is believed to be one of the oldest to reside in the UK has sadly passed away.

Malaika, who lived her whole life at Longleat having been born at the safari park in Wiltshire in 2005, passed away in her sleep- just weeks away from her 20th birthday.

Longleat said that Malaika had been experiencing age-related difficulties that is being shown on BBC’s Animal Park series this week.

The safari park released a statement yesterday (August 5).

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.

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Picture: Longleat

“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 have had a long-standing role at the safari park since it first opened, as they were the first animal to feature in the drive-through safari.

Malaika playing with a football Picture: Longleat

The site became the first safari park outside of Africa in 1966 and there are now two prides, one with Harry and the other led by Klaus and Simba.

The next episode of Animal Park is being shown on BBC One tomorrow, August 7 at 6.30am.