Three-year-old Sumatran tiger Lotte arrived at Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens from Berlin Zoo as part of a European breeding programme.

She joins Raja, the resident male tiger at the gardens, in a pairing recommended by the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP).

Lotte has arrived at Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens (Image: Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens)

Sumatran tigers are classified as critically endangered, with fewer than 400 believed to remain in the wild.

Scott Bird, zoological director at Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens, said: "Everyone here at Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens is incredibly excited to welcome Lotte.

"She is a beautiful young tiger and an important addition to the European breeding programme.

"We look forward to seeing her settle in and, in time, hopefully play a vital role in the conservation of this incredible species."

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The EEP works to maintain genetically diverse populations of threatened species in zoos across Europe.

Lotte is considered one of the more genetically valuable tigers in the programme.

She is currently being gradually introduced to Raja and her new environment.

Visitors will soon be able to see Lotte exploring her enclosure.

© Eastern Daily Press