Sasha has been coaxed into her travel crate at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary and headed to hospital for a check-up with Dr Caldwell.

In September, Sasha was diagnosed with early stage cataracts in both eyes and the Resident Welfare Team have been concerned that she is having difficulty seeing. At Old Chapel Veterinary Clinic she will be thoroughly assessed including by an ophthalmologist. If she does start having difficulties with her sight we will adapt her care accordingly.

Prior to her rescue from a circus in Guatemala, Sasha had a toe crushed in a cruel declawing operation and developed bone cancer in her leg. Dr Caldwell performed ground-breaking surgery to replace the cancerous bone with a titanium implant.

This indomitable lioness is also renowned for her rather fussy eating habits; she only eats certain meat, dines at a later hour to the other lions and prefers company whilst eating – sometimes she is referred to as Princess Sasha.