A critically endangered female tiger has died after being attacked by a prospective mate at London Zoo. Melati, a seven-year-old Sumatran tigress, was killed during her first encounter with 10-year-old Asim. The male tiger arrived at the zoo 10 days ago as part of a Europe-wide breeding programme designed to save their critically endangered species from
A critically endangered female tiger has died after being attacked by a prospective mate at London Zoo.
Melati, a seven-year-old Sumatran tigress, was killed during her first encounter with 10-year-old Asim.
The male tiger arrived at the zoo 10 days ago as part of a Europe-wide breeding programme designed to save their critically endangered species from extinction.
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The two big cats were initially kept seperate in adjoining enclosures so they could become familiar with each other before being brought together.
The zoo said experts “observed obvious positive signs” during “careful monitoring” of the tigers’ reactions before introducing them on Friday.
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Jennifer Nelson, senior keeper at Zoo Miami, leads a cheetah named Koda to a hurricane resistant structure within the zoo, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017 in Miami.
AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee
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Ryan Martinez, a trainer at Zoo Miami, places an Eurasion Eagle Owl into a crate
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Flamingos at Zoo Miami, are shown in a temporary enclosure in a hurricane resistant structure within the zoo,
(AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
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Brown pelicans and an American white pelican take refuge in a shelter ahead of the downfall of Hurricane Irma at the zoo in Miami
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An African crested porcupine is moved into a shelter ahead of the downfall of Hurricane Irma at the zoo in Miami, Florida,
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A macaw parrot looks out of it’s cage after being put into a shelter
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An African grey parrot is moved into a shelter ahead of the downfall of Hurricane Irma
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Cheetahs are photographed in a shelter ahead of the downfall of Hurricane Irma at the zoo in Miami, Florida,
REUTERS/Adrees Latif
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Jennifer Nelson, senior keeper at Zoo Miami, leads a cheetah named Koda to a hurricane resistant structure within the zoo, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017 in Miami.
AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee
2/8
Ryan Martinez, a trainer at Zoo Miami, places an Eurasion Eagle Owl into a crate
AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee
3/8
Flamingos at Zoo Miami, are shown in a temporary enclosure in a hurricane resistant structure within the zoo,
(AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
4/8
Brown pelicans and an American white pelican take refuge in a shelter ahead of the downfall of Hurricane Irma at the zoo in Miami
REUTERS/Adrees Latif
5/8
An African crested porcupine is moved into a shelter ahead of the downfall of Hurricane Irma at the zoo in Miami, Florida,
REUTERS/Adrees Latif
6/8
A macaw parrot looks out of it’s cage after being put into a shelter
REUTERS/Adrees Latif
7/8
An African grey parrot is moved into a shelter ahead of the downfall of Hurricane Irma
REUTERS/Adrees Latif
8/8
Cheetahs are photographed in a shelter ahead of the downfall of Hurricane Irma at the zoo in Miami, Florida,
REUTERS/Adrees Latif
In a statement, it added: “As with all big cats, introductions, however carefully planned, are always considered to be high risk.
“Their introduction began as predicted, but quickly escalated into a more aggressive interaction.
“Zoo staff immediately implemented their prepared response, using loud noises, flares and alarms to try and distract the pair, but Asim had already overpowered Melati.”
Zookeepers eventually secured Asim in a separate paddock, but Melati had died by the time vets could reach her.
The zoo, in Regent’s Park, said staff were “devastated” by the loss of the tiger.
“We are heartbroken by this turn of events,” it added.
Asim, whose name means “protector” in Arabic, was moved to London Zoo from Ree Park Safari in Denmark.
The day after his arrival, London Zoo’s head tiger keeper Kathryn Sanders said: “Asim is a handsome, confident cat who is known for being very affectionate with the ladies in his life – we’re hoping he’ll be the perfect mate for our beautiful Melati.”
Staff had observed the two tigers “chuffing”, which Ms Sanders said was “a happy sound they make to let each other know they have good intentions”.
There are thought to be as few as 400 Sumatran tigers remaining in the wild.
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