AN 11-year-old tiger has died at Longleat following a heart attack.

Svetli, along with her sisters Soundari and Shouri, had been at Longleat since 2006.

The Amur tiger was given a general anaesthetic as part of a routine veterinary screening and general health check, which are standard practice and essential for ensuring the ongoing welfare of Longleat’s animals.

During the procedure Svetli suffered a heart attack and, despite the best efforts of the veterinary team, it was not possible to save her.

Jon Merrington, head of safari, said: “This is a tragic loss and a cause for great sadness across the entire safari park.

“Her keepers and the veterinary team are all totally devastated by the death of someone they worked and lived with every day.”

Svetli’s sisters, who also underwent the same procedure, have made full recoveries and are both well.