A WILDLIFE Park in the North Cotswolds has said a fond farewell to one of its oldest residents.
One beloved King penguin called Lily passed away last week at the Birdland Park & Gardens in Bourton-on-the-Water.
This special penguin hatched in 1992 and quickly became one of best breeding king penguins in the park.
Lily raised eight chicks until two years ago, when her health first began to deteriorate.
Simon Cox, general manager of the Bourton-on-the-Water attraction, said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Lily here at Birdland.
"She was one of Europe’s oldest female King penguins.
“Over the past two years she began to slow down with a mild form of arthritis and had begun to form cataracts in both eyes, however she was always responsive to light and movement and was able to get around Penguin Shore and Pool with ease.
"She was a very petite penguin and was recognisable for testing her food by nibbling it first, before swallowing her lunch.
“We’d like to thank Chipping Norton Veterinary Hospital for all their support with health checks and medication for Lily, and the keepers at Birdland for all their love and care.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here