AN ENDANGERED tiger has died unexpectedly at Marwell Zoo.

Milla, an Amur Tiger, was due to undergo a routine veterinary procedure when soon after being put under general anaesthetic, she stopped breathing.

The vet team at the zoo attempted to resuscitate the much-loved tiger but they were unsuccessful.

A full post mortem examination is now due to be carried out to find out what happened.

Carrie Arnold, Marwell Zoo Carnivores Team Leader, said: "Milla was an extremely charismatic animal; beautiful, confident, savvy and knew exactly what she wanted.

"She loved laying on her back soaking up the sun. She will be deeply missed by her keepers."

Milla was born in the Czech Republic and moved to Marwell in 2012.

Along with her mate, she was part of the EAZA Ex situ Programme, an endangered species breeding programme.

Amur Tigers are usually found in the Russian far east and north-eastern China, with less than 500 believed to remain in the wild.