Endangered tiger immortalised in new portrait

Minerva is one of two Amur tigers at Woburn Safari Park; the other is a male called Dmitri

An endangered tiger at a safari park has been immortalised in a new portrait to mark International Tiger Day.

Minerva, an Amur tiger at Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire, was the subject of a painting by artist Leah Wood.

Visitors to the park will be able to see the painting and donate directly to the Wildcats Conservation Alliance when it is put on display at the park on 29 July.

The painter, who is also the daughter of Rolling Stones member Ronnie Wood, said: "If we can make people aware of the dangers wildlife is facing, we can inspire real action."

Artist Leah Wood said she is inspired by the natural world

"Art has the power to move hearts and help save these incredible animals," she added.

The Wildcats Conservation Alliance funds anti-poaching patrols and monitors endangered big cats.

According to The Zoological Society of London, there were fewer than 50 Amur tigers in the wild in the 1940s, but this has since increased to 300.

Woburn Safari Park's website described Minerva as "one of the most important females in the captive tiger population in Europe".

She previously reared cubs at Woburn, which have been relocated to other sites to continue the bloodline.