Colchester Zoo mourns death of Lioness

The zoo's said Malika's health deteriorated over a very short period of time, and after a series of tests it was determined she was suffering from liver disease.

The Animal Care Team said they held out hope that she would pull through and undergo further medication, but unfortunately she passed away on the morning of the 14th October.

Not only will the staff at Colchester Zoo miss Malika but she leaves behind her sister Naja and cousin, male lion Bailey.

The zoo say as all three were related they were not a breeding group, but had a strong bond with one another, having lived together at Colchester Zoo since 2010 and all coming from the same park previous to this.

Keepers say despite Bailey being the dominant male within the pride, Malika was also very much 'in charge', she loved her food and would often have first pickings after cheekily stealing from Bailey.

Hannah, one of Malika's keepers, said: "Malika was out feisty protective female of the pride who had a big personality and would always protect her sister Naja".

Malika will leave a big whole in the hearts of the Animal Care Team and Lion Rock will not be the same without her.

The Zoo added that there is never a good time to say goodbye to an animal who has been part of the family for so many years, it is always a very difficult and sad time, even more so in these unprecedented times we find ourselves in.