'Queen' of safari park's pride of lions dies at 19

Malaika died peacefully in her sleep, Longleat says

A 19-year-old lion has died at Longleat Safari Park weeks away from her 20th birthday.

Longleat announced Malaika died in her sleep after experiencing "age-related difficulties" at the end of July.

Malaika, an African lion, was born at the estate and was "much-loved by guests and keepers" and the "Queen of Harry's pride", Longleat's head of animal operations Darren Beasley said.

Longleat said there were two prides, one with Harry, which Malaika was in, and the other led by Klaus and Simba.

Lions were the first animal to feature in Longleat's drive-through safari when it became the first to open outside Africa in 1966.

Mr Beasley added: "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."