A 30-year-old polar bear at a wildlife park in Scotland has been put down after suffering "age-related health problems and a rapid deterioration in her welfare".

Mercedes arrived in Scotland in January 1984 from her native Canada, where she had been captured after developing the habit of wandering into a local town looking for food.

She was rescued from being shot, and taken to Edinburgh Zoo where she reared two cubs with her partner, Barney.

After his death in 1996, she lived alone until she was moved into "retirement" at the Highland Wildlife Park near Aviemore two years ago.

Zookeepers had recently noted a rapid downturn in her behaviour and her demeanour as she appeared to show signs of rapid ageing and possible senility. Her advanced osteoarthritis was being treated with painkillers.