MARWELL Zoo has announced the sad death of its last Amur leopard.

The zoo near Colden Common announced that Akin has died following deteriorating health associated with his old age.

A post on the zoo’s Facebook page said: “Born at Olomouc Zoo in Czech Republic on 19 May 2001, Akin arrived at Marwell aged one in May 2002.

“As part of the EAZA Ex-situ Programme, an endangered species breeding programme, Akin has sired six healthy cubs and one of his daughters Kanika, who left us in 2016, recently gave birth to a female cub at Santa Barbara Zoo, California.

“Akin, 20, was a majestic, fearless leopard who loved lazing around in the afternoon sun. “For 19 years our guests have been awe-struck by his beauty and strength. Akin will be sorely missed by his keepers and everyone who knew him.”

It added: “Marwell is no longer home to Amur leopards. Please bear with us while we consider a new species for the habitat.”