THE UK’s oldest Amur tiger held in captivity has been put down at Longleat Safari Park due to health problems.

Turlough arrived at the park in 2011 from Dublin Zoo and was 19 years and four months before he was put to sleep earlier this week.

Tests had revealed the male tiger was suffering from a degenerative spinal illness that had led to a progressive loss of his hind limb function.

Although this was supported with pain relief and palliative care, his condition became worse.

Jon Cracknell, director of operations, said: “This was a great loss to Longleat. Turlough had settled in well here and we are sad to see him go.

“Our three other female tigers who shared an enclosure with Turlough will remain within the park and are in good health but will be monitored by keepers over the coming weeks to see how they react to the loss of Turlough.

“A much loved member of the Longleat family, Turlough not only touched the hearts of visitors and VIP guests to the Safari Park but also endeared himself to all of the keepers that were lucky enough work with him.”