Zoo announces death of 'almost affectionate' tiger

A zoo has announced the death of a "gentle" and "almost affectionate" 19-year-old tiger.

Lincoln Zoo said Julia had been suffering from a number of age-related health problems and was put down on 6 May.

The generic tiger - a term used for those whose lineage is unknown - was rescued from a German circus. She arrived at the zoo in 2014.

Director Neil Mumby said Julia was a "strong favourite with everybody over the years".

Julia arrived at the zoo in Newball, near Wragby, with another tiger called Tango, who died in 2016, aged 22.

The pair were confiscated by Belgian and German authorities after reports they were being mistreated.

Hundreds of people have left tributes on the zoo's social media channels, with many sharing their favourite memories, photographs and films of Julia.

One tribute read: "Julia was more than a tiger — she was a gentle, awe-inspiring presence who left a lasting impact on hearts young and old. Rest peacefully, beautiful girl. You will always be part of the Lincoln Zoo family."

Mr Mumby said Julia was given lots of space, including ponds, platforms and "lots of places to explore and climb and show natural behaviours".

He added: "She has been very much part of the growth of Lincoln Zoo. We grew from a bird of prey park in to a modern forward thinking zoo and she has been an integral part of that growth."

According to Mr Mumby, a tiger typically lives 12 or 13 years in the wild and about 16 in captivity.

Explaining the decision to euthanise, he added: "At 19, she was just incredibly old. It was just a multitude of things which were age-related."

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