'Painful decision' made to put down arthritis-ridden tiger

Rana enjoying a swim at Shepreth Wildlife Park in Hertfordshire. Credit: Shepreth Wildlife Park.

A tiger ravaged by arthritis has had to be be put down by vets at a Hertfordshire zoo.

Rana was 18 years old and had become a firm favourite with visitors to Shrepreth Wildlife Park, near Royston, having been there since 2001.

But in a post on its Facebook page on Thursday morning, the attraction announced they had made the decision to put her to sleep first thing today (Friday).

A spokesman said the decision had been made, in conjunction with a vet, because he had been in too much pain.

Rana would have turned 19 this summer. Credit: Shepreth Wildlife Park.

The park's "tiger talk" was cancelled on Thursday because staff had been too upset.

Its second tiger, Amba, is still healthy and keepers are set to monitor her behaviour closely following Rana's death.

Rana had been at the wildlife park since 2001. Credit: Shepreth Wildlife Park.