Ares was 15 when he was put down at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, in Doncaster, South Yorkshire (Picture: SWNS)

A lion that was rescued from a tiny concrete pen in a Romanian zoo has died after 13 years in a British wildlife park.

Ares was 15 when he was put down at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, on Wednesday because of his ‘declining health.’

The big cat was one of 13 who came to the park in 2010, when a public appeal raised £150,000 to bring the animals over to save them from the conditions they were living in.

Devastated fans and visitors to the park have paid tribute to the lion, describing him as a ‘noble creature’ who was the ‘highlight of our visits.’

One person said: ‘Thank you so much to YWP for everything you did for this noble creature.

‘His retirement years were far longer and more comfortable under your care than they would have been without that amazing rescue mission all those years ago. We have loved visiting him over the years.’

Another said: ‘RIP Ares – you were the highlight of our visits. We would spend ages just watching you and talking to you. You will be greatly missed.

‘Thank you to all who rescued him and gave him a fabulous life. He was a credit to you all.’

One person said: ‘We are local and have been members since the lions were rescued. What a happy life he had here in Yorkshire with all his other pride soulmates.

‘It must be so hard for his carers, who some have known him many years. But many happy memories of Ares will help them through their grief, they made sure he did have a wonderful life at YWP.’

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The wildlife park said that Ares ‘holds a special place in its history’, adding that he had an ‘unbreakable bond’ with the animal rangers.

They said: ‘After careful consideration and in light of his declining health, the dedicated team at Yorkshire Wildlife Park made the difficult decision to put Ares to sleep.

‘Ares, who came to Yorkshire Wildlife Park with 12 other Lions as part of a remarkable rescue mission in 2010, holds a special place in the park’s history.

‘Our hearts go out to the dedicated animal rangers who provided unwavering love and care to Ares on a daily basis, forming an unbreakable bond over the years.’

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The lion was part of a group of big cats who were saved from