Tiger in German zoo kills keeper and was shot dead

A terrible thing happened in the zoo of Cologne yesterday. A 43 year old female animal keeper obviously made a mistake when she cleaned the Siberian tigers' enclosure. For some reason, 4 year old male tiger Altai managed to pass the gate and attacked the woman from behind. She didn't survive, and also the tiger paid for this with his life as he's been shot by the zoo director himself:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/0...n_1830031.html

I'm feeling sorry for the woman and her family, but also for that beautiful tiger who just did what tigers are doing in such situations. This is really sad!

Very sad, on both counts.:(

Well, tigers don't wan't anyone invading their space, but it's tragic. :( You know something similar happened in Copenhagen Zoo recently, but in this case, a guy climbed in during the night. They decided not kill the tiger. :)

Sad indeed, and just one more reason why these wild creatures should not be held in captivity unless it's for some type of breeding program. To be caged in a zoo setting for people to pay to view them, is just not acceptable anymore.

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Originally Posted by pomtzu

Sad indeed, and just one more reason why these wild creatures should not be held in captivity unless it's for some type of breeding program. To be caged in a zoo setting for people to pay to view them, is just not acceptable anymore.

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I agree 100%.

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Originally Posted by Randi

Well, tigers don't wan't anyone invading their space, but it's tragic. You know something similar happened in Copenhagen Zoo recently, but in this case, a guy climbed in during the night. They decided not kill the tiger.

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Yes, I heard about that, and I'm glad that at least that tiger is still alive.

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Originally Posted by chocolatepuppy

Very sad, on both counts.

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So true! :(

I agree, too. Tigers don't belong in a confined space at a Zoo! Neither do lions and several other species.

How very sad.

Very sad all the way around.:( If the Director had time to take a shot, why couldn't he use a tranquilizer dart
instead of deadly force ?

How sad. In the case of tigers, these animals in zoos may be the only way to assure the species survival, given the threats the wild populations face. It is tragic, but true.

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Originally Posted by lizbud

Very sad all the way around.:( If the Director had time to take a shot, why couldn't he use a tranquilizer dart
instead of deadly force ?

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I was wondering the same, but apparently things had to do quickly as he was still around the - then wounded - woman, and they wanted to get near her as fast as possible.

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Originally Posted by Karen

How sad. In the case of tigers, these animals in zoos may be the only way to assure the species survival, given the threats the wild populations face. It is tragic, but true.

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I know. :( It's the same with polar bears. On the other hand, what kind of life do these animals have if they have no place to go, if their natural habitat does no longer exist? Do we have the right to keep the last remaining survivors their species in captivity after destroving the enviroment for their wild fellows? I'm no so sure about that...

Animals in zoos serve more of a purpose then just being a big money earner. They help with research of wild animals, give scientist views of things they could not logically do in the wild, help with conservation efforts via breeding and education, educate the public on the plight of their existence ('cause let's face it, not everyone is going to google the latest wildlife research, findings, news every week like I do), and allow people to see animals they probably wouldn't ever see otherwise. They also help fund conservation efforts for WILD populations. I will agree to an extent that some animals should not be caged. Not all Zoos and aquariums should be allowed to keep animals, that's obvious. For example, roadside zoos or people that are like you and me and want a wild pet. They simply do not have the money and resources the bigger organizations do and they don't care. I am not a big fan of circus shows and the like, I don't think they deserve animals just to be a show prop. I am not a huge fan of "Shamu" type shows either. But really to say that keeping animals in zoos is cruel and should be banned, that'd be a tremendous blow to conservation efforts. I can tell you the animals at the Georgia Aquarium eat better than I do.

These situations are awful and very sad. But that is what happens with wild animals. May the keeper and the tiger rest easy. Very sad all around.

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Originally Posted by Kirsten

On the other hand, what kind of life do these animals have if they have no place to go, if their natural habitat does no longer exist? Do we have the right to keep the last remaining survivors their species in captivity after destroving the enviroment for their wild fellows? I'm no so sure about that...

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I think everyone's hope is that someday we will be able to restore their natural habitat, and let them - or their grandchildren - return to the wild. It varies species to species how realistic that hope is, of course.