Wildlife park mourns death of 'iconic' white lion

A white lion that was a wildlife park's "beloved icon" has died at the age of 18.

Casper was known for his distinctive roar that could be heard for miles around the Isle of Wight, Wildheart Animal Sanctuary said.

The lion, born at West Midlands Safari Park in 2006, became ill and was put to sleep on Thursday, the sanctuary added.

Staff said they were carefully monitoring Casper's half-sister Frosty, due to the pair's celebrated bond of affection.

At the age of three, Casper was separated from his African-born parents at the Bewdley park.

He arrived at what later became Wildheart Animal Sanctuary on a rare snowy day on the Isle of Wight in January 2010.

Casper's half-sister Frosty came to the island three years later in 2013.

It took a year for the pair to integrate but they became inseparable, the sanctuary said.

Casper was known for his close bond with his half-sister Frosty

Animal manager Marc Fox said: "Whether basking together in the sun or snuggling up in the hide, grooming one another, or cosying up on the firehose hammock, their bond was one of loyalty, affection, and trust."

Mr Fox said Casper had endearing traits, including a fascination with the smell of freshly cut grass and a fear of new objects in his enclosure.

He said: "Phenomenally strong and powerful as a younger lion, Casper always left an unforgettable impression on everyone who laid eyes on him.

"Even in his later years when he was physically less capable, his majesty and presence were unmatched, as were his impressive roars from his rock that could be heard across Sandown."

The sanctuary said it would consider whether to bring in a new companion for Frosty or move her closer to the centre's other lions.

White lions are a genetic variant of the African lion and are uniquely found in one part of South Africa, according to the Global White Lion Protection Trust.