Tourists horrified as white tiger kills zookeeper

www.zionwildlifegardens.co.nz

On Wednesday, a zookeeper at a New Zealand wildlife park was mauled and killed by a white tiger as a group of horrified visitors watched it happen, according to local police.

The attack on the zookeeper occurred at the Zion Wildlife Gardens, located near Whangarei, which is a three-hour drive north of Auckland.

Two zookeepers were cleaning a park enclosure when one of the two white tigers in the area attacked one of the keepers, according to police spokeswoman Sarah Kennett.

Other staff joined the second keeper’s efforts to pull the tiger off the man, but were unsuccessful. Kennett said that the man who had been attacked died shortly afterwards.

It was also reported that the tiger responsible for the attack was put down.

A group of eight visitors, who were being taken on a guided tour of the wildlife park, witnessed the attack, the police spokeswoman.

Park officials released a statement that said: “This is an incredibly sad day,” and added that it would be providing counseling for its staff.

The Zion Wildlife Gardens is home to a number of endangered lions and tigers, and is well-known throughout New Zealand as the setting for the TV series “Lion Man”.

Local media reported that a park employee was attacked by a white tiger in February, and required surgery.

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www.zionwildlifegardens.co.nz