Lion at centre of rescue effort dies aged 30

The 30-year-old animal, called Johnny Senior by staff, had been living at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster, after arriving in the country in February 2010.

A national fundraising campaign had been mounted to rescue him and 12 other lions from Oradea zoo in north-western Romania where they had been kept in cramped concrete cells.

Park director John Minion John Minion said: “We are all deeply saddened. His presence at the Park will be greatly missed. He was a real one- off and a fantastic leader of his pride.

“After spending most of his life in terrible conditions, at least Johnny Senior spent his final years in the surroundings that he deserved.”