A female zookeeper has been killed after a tiger entered the enclosure she was in.
Visitors were evacuated from Hamerton Zoo Park in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, a little before midday on Monday.
(Photo: ©Ryan Hughes / SWNS.com)
Police were called to the attraction at 11.15am to reports of a serious incident, while a Magpas air ambulance was on the scene 20 minutes later.
(Photo: ©Ryan Hughes / SWNS.com)
Cambridgeshire Constabulary said on Facebook: “Officers attended a serious incident at Hamerton Zoo Park, Steeple Girding, at around 11.15am today.
“A tiger had entered an enclosure with a keeper. Sadly the female zookeeper died at the scene.
“At no time did the animal escape from the enclosure.
“The incident is not believed to be suspicious.”
Staff said they were left “distressed” after the attack and confirmed the zoo would remain shut on Tuesday.
(Photo: © SWNS.com)
A statement read: “This appears to have been a freak accident.
“A full investigation is currently underway and we hope that more details can be announced as soon as we are able.
“At no point during the incident did any animals escape their enclosures, and at no point was public safety affected in any way.
“All our thoughts and sympathies are with our colleagues, friends and families at this dreadful time.”