Killer tiger Oz will not be put down after fatal New Zealand attack; victim named as senior staff member Samantha Kudewah
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| Sumatran tiger Oz will not be euthanased |
Male Sumatran tiger Oz will not be euthanased following a fatal attack on a zookeeper over the weekend, New Zealand's Hamilton Zoo says.
New Zealand police have identified the woman fatally mauled in the Sunday morning attack as Samantha Kudewah, 43, a senior staff member at the animal park south of Auckland.
Hamilton City Council general manager Lance Vervoort said although the death was a tragedy, senior zoo staff had ruled out euthanasing Oz.
"We're aware there is a lot of interest and speculation around how we manage Oz now, and I want to assure the public and zoo supporters that he will not be put down," Mr Vervoort said.
"Although there is an inherent risk for zoo professionals who manage big cats like Oz, there is no wider ongoing risk. There is no reason for us to put Oz down.
"Oz is a significant animal for his species. He is the father of our two cubs, and he is vital to the ongoing breeding program to conserve this rare species."
Mr Vervoort said the widely held view among zoo professionals was that Oz's attack was in line with his natural instincts.
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