Dartmoor Zoo's popular lioness has died
Nakita came to the zoo in 2019 and soon became a firm favourite with staff and visitors
A lioness, who was popular with staff and visitors at Dartmoor Zoo, has died.
Nakita moved to the site with her sister, Kimya, in March 2019 where they are said to have settled in very well and quickly became favourites to people who worked and visited.
It was her love of food that first raised concerns with keepers. Her voracious appetite had decreased which quickly led to her not eating at all.
Keepers say she became 'very weak and unresponsive' and was 'not responding to medication'.
Nikita underwent a number of tests and then treatment based upon what had been discovered. She was monitored closely 24/7 and staff worked all hours to care for her.
Although it briefly looked as though Nikita was improving, she quickly deteriorated. Keepers said it became clear that she would not recover.
The difficult decision was made by the zoo to euthanise her immediately.
They later found out that she had suffered from acute renal failure.
In a statement, bosses at Dartmoor Zoo said that she had "brought joy to so many" and whose "unique characteristics will never be forgotten".