A pair of Asiatic lions have arrived at a British zoo as part of efforts to protect the highly endangered species from extinction.

A male named Nilay, and a female named Shanti, arrived at Chester Zoo and after being matched following careful genetic analysis ,as part of an international conservation breeding programme.

Conservationists have said the pair have formed a good connection and expressed hope they would go on to mate.

Chester Zoo is a British conservation zoo and has a track record in safeguarding the survival of Asiatic lions.

It says there are fewer than 900 left in the wild.

Nilay and Shanti could be seen exploring their new home in footage released by the zoo.