A POPULAR otter, known as 'queen of the otter pool' at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, has passed away this week.

Eighteen-year-old Flo, who was a North American river otter, was part of the ‘Back from the Brink’ wetland area at Slimbridge.

She leaves behind her daughter Ha Ha.

A spokeswoman for Slimbridge WWT said: "We are deeply saddened to announce that our North American river otter Flo has passed away.

"Flo was just two months shy of her 19th birthday, which means that she was very elderly for an otter, and she was on age related medication.

"Flo arrived at Slimbridge in December 2008, from Mole Hall Wildlife Park in Essex.

"She enjoyed a happy and long life at Slimbridge, and even at such a grand age, was extremely bright and active right to the very end.

"She was a gentle soul and very polite, but she knew that she was the queen of the otter pool.

"She was an excellent mother too and leaves behind one daughter called Haha, who is now receiving lots of loving care and extra attention from our dedicated team.

"We know that Flo was adored by staff, volunteers and visitors alike, and she will be especially missed by the team who looked after her."