Woman attacked by tiger at zoo dies

Emergency services were called to the Hamilton Zoo, south of Auckland on Sunday morning, Fire Service northern communications shift manager Scott Osmond says.

Waikato Police Sergeant Juliet Burgess said the attack was “tragic”.

‘It is too early to determine exactly what’s happened’.

Hamilton Zoo houses Sumatran tigers, a species native to Indonesia that is regarded as critically endangered.

Police are working with the zoo and WorkSafe to investigate.

The victim’s name will not be officially released until police have informed family members.

It’s not the first time a zookeeper has been fatally attacked in New Zealand. It is owned by the Hamilton City Council.

He had not heard which of the zoo’s tigers was involved in the attack.

‘I thought an animal had escaped but they guaranteed that an animal did not escape, ‘ he said.

A $430,000 Sumatran tiger exhibit was completed in January 2001 and features a large pool, climbing structures and bamboo glades.

The attack happened when Dalu, an experienced handler, and another keeper were cleaning the cage. As well as Oz, they have Mencari, Sali and 11-month-old cubs Kembali and Kirana.

The zoo’s female Sumatran tiger, named Sali, had two cubs in November 2014.

People have posted messages of support on Facebook, in the aftermath of the incident.

In 2013 a keeper walked 10 metres into an enclosure she thought was empty before finding herself alone with a five-year-old female tiger. I hope everyone is okay.

The Sumatran tiger is a rare sub-species of the tiger and only 500 exist in the wild.

Liz Clark said it was tragic news: ‘Heartfelt condolences to her’.

“They are confident little cats who are eager to explore their world”, she said.

The keeper, who did not panic, returned to the keeper gate and left the enclosure, says an official account of the “tiger containment incident”.

Management has since closed the zoo and told those inside to leave.