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Beloved female London Zoo tiger Melati has been killed by the Big Cat brought to the attraction to be her mate.

Male, Asim, arrived at the zoo just over a week ago and killed Melati the first time they were introduced today.

The two tigers had been kept in neighbouring enclosures since Asim's arrival 10 days ago so they could get used to each other's smell.

But when staff introduced the pair this morning, Sumatran Melati was brutally killed within minutes.

A statement to London Zoo members said: "Following careful monitoring of the tigers’ reactions to each other since Asim arrived, zoo experts had observed obvious positive signs, and felt it was the right time to introduce seven-year-old Asim, and 10-year-old Melati.

(Image: Supplied by WENN.com) (Image: TMS)

"Their introduction began as predicted, but quickly escalated into a more aggressive interaction.

"Zoo staff immediately implemented their prepared response, using loud noises, flares and alarms to try and distract the pair, but Asim had already overpowered Melati.

"Zookeepers were eventually able to secure Asim in a separate paddock so that they could safely get to Melati where our vets confirmed that she had sadly died."

Staff at the zoo are said to be "devastated and heartbroken" by the loss of Melati.

(Image: Rex)

They have insisted their focus is now on Asim, who arrived at the zoo on January 29.

Upset animal lovers have expressed their horror at today's events on Twitter.

Lauren Hickling wrote: "As a regular visitor of Melati, we went last weekend in fact, I am very sad to hear of this awful news."

Lib With Attitude added: "This has brought tears to my eyes on the train.

"Melati was so beautiful."

And Samantha Smith said: "My daughter is absolutely devastated. Melati was a beautiful tigress."

Rainbow Kitty wrote: "Such a sad loss of a beautiful creature.

"RIP Melati, over the rainbow bridge."

Zookeepers had flown to Denmark to get to know the male Sumatran.

At the time they said: "We learned that he adores chicken and loves to play, particularly by pouncing on piles of empty boxes sprayed with strong scents such as herbs and spices."

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Melati had previous cubs, born at London Zoo.

But tragically, in 2013, one of her cubs died when it was just two weeks old.

It had been the first tiger to be born at the zoo in 17 years.

Melati went on to have a second litter of cubs in 2016.