STAFF at Dudley Zoo are coming to terms with the death of their rare Asiatic lion Mwamba.

The death of 11-year-old male was announced on Sunday (March 16).

Mwamba had been receiving treatment from a vet for two days prior to his death.

He was brought in from Paignton Zoo in 2013 as a mate for two lionesses as part of a conservation programme.

Jill Hitchman, head of media and communications at the zoo, said: "We're all still coming to terms with Mwamba's death; he was a great Asiatic lion and will be much missed.

"It's a very sad time.

"The post mortem has been carried out and we will share the results when we receive the vet's full report."