Longleat safari park has today announced the death of the beloved sea lion, Buster.

Sharing the news on Twitter, the popular safari park announced that he had lived until 26 years of age.

The post read: “We are sorry to announce that Buster, our much loved male sea lion, has passed away at the grand old age of 26.

“Here is one of our keepers' favourite videos of him. If you have any pictures or videos to share, please do post them in the replies.”

Accompanied by a video of Buster, fans of the beloved sea lion took to the replies to share their fond memories of him.

One user shared an image of him, writing: “I’m truly gutted at this news. Buster was King of half-mile lake. Every boat tour I took, he was there, full vocals, first for food.

“My heart goes out to all the lake keepers at this sad time. No doubt his fellow lake mates are missing him too. Stay safe”

Another wrote: “He was a legend so very sorry for the staff & guests loss.”

Longleat said Buster was a “larger than life character” on the estate.

Writing on Facebook, they said: “Buster was a larger than life character to his team of keepers and the millions of visitors who got to see and, of course, hear him from across the estate.

Over the years Buster has been part of our growing colony of sea lions on Half Mile Pond and will be missed by all.”