Tiger in New Zealand zoo won't be euthanized
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E-mail China.org.cn, September 22, 2015
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Sumatran tiger Oz at Hamilton Zoo. [File photo/Hamilton Zoo] |
A New Zealand zoo announced yesterday that it won't euthanize a Sumatran tiger that killed a senior zookeeper.
The male Sumatran tiger named Oz attacked and killed 43-year-old Samantha Kudeweh inside the animal's enclosure at Hamilton Zoo on Sunday morning.
Lance Vervoort, Hamilton City Council's General Manager Community, said although Samantha's death is a tragedy for the wider zoo family and international wildlife conservation community, senior zoo staff have ruled out euthanizing 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," he added.
Mr Vervoort explained that the decision not to euthanize Oz was made by zoo senior staff. They have advised the Ministry for Primary Industries – the government agency responsible for overseeing zoo and wildlife park operations in New Zealand – of this.
"This is our call, and the decision on Oz rested solely with us," he said, adding that Oz was vital to the ongoing breeding program to conserve this rare species.
Hamilton Zoo will reopen on Thursday, and Mr Vervoort said some of the zoo's five Sumatran tigers will be on display. No decision has been made on whether visitors to the zoo will be able to see Oz.
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