A much-loved tiger raised by the owners of a Kent animal park since he was a cub has died.

Wingham Wildlife Park said it had taken the “difficult decision” to put one of its Bengal hybrids, Blade, to sleep.

The 13-year-old had held a “special place” in the hearts of the Binskin family - who own the attraction near Canterbury - as they had raised him from just a few weeks old.

Blade arrived at the zoo in 2011, alongside his brother Troy.

But this week there was a “sudden and concerning” deterioration in his health, with keepers closely monitoring him due to his age.

Park bosses say despite the “best efforts” of its vets and keepers it had to make the “difficult decision” to put the big cat down on Friday evening.

It said: “We will fondly remember Blade as an excitable tiger who would do anything for an extra chunk of meat.

“When he wasn’t eating, he would love to rest on his platform; where our guests could take the most beautiful photos of our gorgeous boy.

“We know that many of you will also be feeling this loss.

“Our attention now turns to Troy and ensuring that we continue to provide the best care possible for him.

“We will be monitoring him closely over the next few days and with the support of our dedicated keepers, we are confident that this loss will have a minimal impact on Troy.

“Caring for Blade has been a privilege for all of us here at the park and it is a comfort in this difficult time to know that he had a good life with us. We will miss him enormously.”

Park visitors have been left saddened by Blade’s death, sharing their tributes to him on the park’s Facebook page.

“Thank you Blade for the best experiences I had with you,” Heather Green wrote.

“Feeding you three times is something I will never forget. We have watched you and Troy from six months old nearly every week grow into the most stunning cats. You will forever be in my heart.”

Lisa Parascandolo added: “Absolutely crying my eyes out. I have absolutely enjoyed watching Blade and Troy grow from cute cubs to beautiful tigers.

“I was able to feed them for my 40th birthday a few years back and it was such an amazing experience. I will forever remember your chuffs.”

The park opened in 2007 and has more than 200 species on its premises, including moon bears, western chimpanzees, red pandas, lions and penguins.