A BELOVED ocelot has died at Isle of Wight attraction Amazon World.

The zoo announced the death this evening.

A spokesperson said: "It is with an extremely heavy heart that we announce the passing of Bow our beautiful male ocelot.

"Unfortunately Bow's health rapidly deteriorated last weekend.

"On Monday Bow travelled to the vets accompanied by the head keeper to investigate.

"Sadly at the vets, X-rays confirmed our worst fears, that Bow's cancer had unfortunately spread to his other organs.

"Therefore the difficult decision was made to say goodbye.

"Bow was diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer in June last year.

"Chemotherapy drugs were started and Bows condition improved immensely.

"Bow was monitored closely since his cancer diagnosis by his keepers with daily medication, bi-monthly chemo drugs and daily logs of his appetite and activity level, a weekly weigh in and a vet check every month.

"Senior keepers and our zoo vet worked extremely hard to keep him as happy and healthy as possible. We were extremely privileged to have an extra ten months with him."

Bow moved to Amazon World Zoo Park in June 2003.

He fathered ten kittens with his two females Olijfje and Zora.

The zoo spokesperson said he was "the most gentlest wild cat you could ever meet".