Society

Tiger kills careless keeper at Shanghai zoo

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-03-06 19:42

SHANGHAI - A Bengal tiger killed a keeper, who probably forgot to lock the cage door on Saturday morning at the Shanghai Zoo, said local forestry authorities.

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Li Zhonglin, 53, was attacked by the tiger when he was cleaning outside the cage with its door unlocked, officials with the Shanghai Municipal Management Bureau of Greening and City Appearance were quoted as saying by the Xinmin Evening News, a popular local paper.

Li was cleaning the tiger's excrement when the big cat pounced on him and gnawed his neck, a witness was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

The zoo's patrollers rushed to the site after they received the witness's report at around 8:40 am, and immediately called the veterinarians with narcotic equipment, the newspaper said. The tiger was put under control 10 minutes.

Li was confirmed dead at scene by medical personnel.

The 10-year-old male tiger has been kept in isolation, Li said.