Wild animals should not be kept in cages for people to gawk at, and keep these amazing animals captive.

Fine. We will put them in your backyard.

And THEN what, Animal lover ?

Entire continents of children would never be able to SEE tens of thousands of animals, indigenous to other lands; the next generation of veterinarians and environmentalists would not be inspired to continue the good work. To a child in , say, the U.S., a tiger would be something only seen in books and films...akin to a parent showing a child an extinct animal, never to be seen "in the flesh". Zoos perform many important functions like education and conservation. They also protect endangered species from poaching and extinction.

@ Animal Lover-1221343 You need to understand how important it is to have these animals in zoos for people to "gawk" at. People feel a stronger connection to the animals when they can actually see them. They end up wanting to help save those that remain in the wild. Without zoos, people may care about Tigers, but these Tigers are half a world away and well.....people are fickle. The support and care would wain. You can't explain the power and majesty of a Tiger to a child, but take him or her to the zoo and they can experience it for themselves.

Got news for Pagel. It's not the darkest day of his life. He just don't know it yet.

The zoo keeper is a moron with a temper. He belongs in some other line of business.

It's stupid to kill the tiger. There are relatively few left on the planet and he kills the tiger because one of 7 billion people on the planet gets killed by it...?

Stupid, stupid decision.

Yes Karen it is "alright for humans to disrupt the lives of these beautiful animals". However, most animal experts would tend to call if being an ambassador for their species. Also, we are talking about species here. No need to humans from another country to see what another human looks like. Nice try though. I guess for you, if you don't care for it then don't go to a zoo. Me I LOVE the zoo!

What's so majestic about a caged tiger? It's not living the way it's supposed to live. Tigers are hunters and not pets waiting to be fed.

Zoos are nothing but animal prisons.

Now we have a dead tiger just because it did what tigers do. Hunt!

marlane...you are a zealot.

So focused on the animal that you have no compassion for the human that was killed. This is sooo sad. And it was a sad day for both. My prayers are with everyone involved and especially the two slain victims in this tragedy. Senseless and avoidable but part of our imperfect world.

The tiger should not have been killed, it did nothing wrong, it's only problem is shallow minded idiots who watched bambi one too many times and is horrified when wild animals act like...wild animals. They need to fire that zoo director, and any employee who thinks his or her life is worth more than the animals, needs to be fired as well.

Obama no, who are you or any human to decide that it is ok to cage wild animals. There are animals who need to be in captivity because of injury or other situations which will make them vulnerable in the wild. In those cases, I have no problem with them being in captivity, but not in little cage. Zoos should have to provide an environment as close as the wild as possible. Far too often you see them in small cages laying on cement. THAT is WRONG!!

I'm sorry but unless that tiger was still attacking the woman, the zoo director should be brought up on charges. In reality, the tiger did nothing wrong, only what comes quite naturally to all tigers everywhere. That's why they are kept in cages. That's why you make sure you close and lock the gate. I'm sorry this zookeeper is dead and for her family's loss, but it was a TIGER. They are ENDANGERED. It did NOTHING that shouldn't be expected under the circumstances. Why not shoot it with drugs? Why actually kill it? Revenge?

I agree. Why should the tiger have to die for exhibiting a natural extinct. It wasn't his fault the gate was not latched properly. It was an accident and he was a wild animal doing what they do.

Horrible decision. Idiots!

Many zoo's are these animals last hope! They are able to protect and try to breed them while they are being wiped out in the wild. It isn't the most ideal life, but I think it's better to try to keep the species alive through breeding programs then to let poachers pick off the very last of them.

MixedMdia...I tried to reply and hit like inadvertently. You had me until you said it's God's will. What kind of a sick God (other than the biblical God who doesn't exist) would have his child mauled by a Tiger? Think about it.

Here in S FL we do not cage the animals. Zoo Metro is built to allow them to roam free.

So zookeeper gets careless and tiger does what tigers do, hunt and kill, and then they kil tiger for doing what any of the big cats would do...does that mean they should shoot all the big cats just so some other zookeeper doesn't get killed....If the big cat got out and was running around the zoo kiling and mauling people then yeah shoot it...but that idiot in sweden shoots 50+ people ans gets 10 years prison while this tiger kills one careless person and gets shot?

@Adam91 Thanks for seeing the big picture! At least someone gets it.

Gee---you grab an animal that belongs in the wild and imprison the being. Do we have to possess every single thing--to gawk and 'observe' it's behavior.

@Adam91...I have never seen a Tiger in the flesh at a zoo and yet I agree with Animal Lover.

Another magnificant animal shot due to the stupidity and carlessness of a human. I'm sorry for the woman and her family, but am also sad at the loss of this animal that was only doing what comes naturally.

.but that idiot in sweden shoots 50+ people ans gets 10 years prison while this tiger kills one careless person and gets shot?

It was Norway.

I want to know why the Zookeeper felt it was necessary to shot the Tiger. Was he actually trying to save the woman? When I get an answer to this question, I can respond. At this point, without all of the information I will just say, Very Sad for both victims.

There are animals who need to be in captivity because of injury or other situations which will make them vulnerable in the wild.

Karen, in the next 20-30 years, we'll all be fortunate if there are any tigers left in the wild. They're being hunted to extinction by poachers who only care about money. Guys like Obama No are the types that brag about an animals head on their wall. Personally, I would like to see Ted Nugent stuffed and stuck in a corner.

just one example of making a bad situation worse. what a shame

ray-

You are one sick puppy.

Karen, Tony and tinycow lady. Quit drinking the Kool-Aid. The tiger is just a animal. No different than a cow but the cow tastes better. Nothing in the article said that the woman who was killed failed to secure the gate properly. Someone else could have screwed up. If you can't feel bad for her feel for her children and husband.

@tonybeeerm You couldn't be more off in your assessment. I have no animals on my walls. You are missing the point. People tend not to care about things that they don't feel a connection to. These "Ambassador" animals in the zoos are doing their wild relatives a great service. Millions are raised through zoos for conservation and breeding programs for endangered species. Without these Ambassador animals to keep the publice interested and connected to what happens to them in the wild, they most likely will be gone wtihin a few decades. Is this sad? Yes. Is it a reality? Yes. Seeing a Tiger even if in a zoo brings their fight from extinction to the forefront. Take that away....the tigers might just go as well.

They have to shoot tigers when they get the taste for human blood and flesh. The experiences that folks In India had had in dealing with man eating tigers have taught them that once tigers have tasted human blood and flesh, the tigers go absolutely mad for it. They'll pass up hunting more "regular prey" and raid the villages at night. So while I feel bad for the zoo worker and the tiger, the tiger had to be put down. The tiger will become much more dangerous to humans trying to care for it!

So to sum it up. A tiger (which I think may be the most beautiful animal in the world) got killed doing what a large carniverous cat does! Sorry for the dead woman and family. I'm sure an avoidable accident, but I have heard many, many people say they don't blame the animal for attacking them. They are being themselves. What happened to dart guns anyway. Hasn't Germany heard og them?

god bless this womans family for their loss, and it sad to hear some of the @!$%# on here,you need to vent some where else,

Zoos play an important role in the conservation of endangered species. Since humanity has shown no ability to control its population, eventually we'll fill every habitable space there is, leaving no room for tigers or any other large predators. Zoos are the last refuge for these animals.

Personally I don't visit zoos because I don't like to see caged animals, but I recognize how important they are.

Yes it is a shame the human is killed, but these animals don't ask to be put in cages for the rest of their lives,this would make anyone or thing go crazy. These Tigers are going extinct but will here faster in zoos.Also if mistreated by their handlers can you blame them for fighting back! This goes along with any wild animal.

TONY BEEEERN: Just out of curiosity, what do you have in your mouth.

Obama no

@ Animal Lover-1221343 You need to understand how important it is to have these animals in zoos for people to "gawk" at. People feel a stronger connection to the animals when they can actually see them. They end up wanting to help save those that remain in the wild. Without zoos, people may care about Tigers, but these Tigers are half a world away and well.....people are fickle. The support and care would wain. You can't explain the power and majesty of a Tiger to a child, but take him or her to the zoo and they can experience it for themselves.....

Why don't we put your children behind cages so that the animals can feel a stronger attraction to them???? LOON!!!!

They have to shoot tigers when they get the taste for human blood and flesh. The experiences that folks In India had had in dealing with man eating tigers have taught them that once tigers have tasted human blood and flesh, the tigers go absolutely mad for it. They'll pass up hunting more "regular prey" and raid the villages at night. So while I feel bad for the zoo worker and the tiger, the tiger had to be put down. The tiger will become much more dangerous to humans trying to care for it!

Honestly? That is one of the stupidest comments I have ever read. It has nothing to do with the taste of human blood or flesh because I can promise you we taste like crap in comparison to what the tiger would usually eat. Humans just happen to be easy prey, so any wild animal who figures that out can become a nuisance. But mad for it as you said? Please. No such thing ever happens. You have a tiger kept in a cage. There would have been ways to keep the tiger without killing it. After all, big cats are all endangered because of humans...

And while I feel sorry for the woman, it amazes me that we call ourselves civilized...the billions of us that there are. In other words, the more of us there are, the less common sense we appear to have. We are animals just like all big cats. When they are extinct, we will suffer the consequences because a key in the food chain will be missing. As intelligent as we are, due to the problems we cause, I'd rather live among tigers...they are predictable because they only use their instincts. Humans are not predictable because of the intelligence we have, but then why are killing of species around the world like it is a game we can restart??

Obama no

B.S.

Flawed logic.

Zoos SHOULD be for wild animals that cannot survive on their own in the wild. It has nothing to do with inspiring young people to become conservationist or zoologist. It has to do with profits.

And with today's technology; web cams set up "up close and personal" in the wilds. Amazingly close encounters are available to inspire children in conservation in the REAL world.

finsII, you are apparently not an animal lover. "Just a Tiger" who are you to decide which living creatures rank where? They feel pain just like we do. Do you know that humans are the only living creature who kill just for fun? Where does that put us in the pecking order. I do feel for the woman who died and her loved ones, but somebody screwed up and if the guy who shot the tiger had time to get a gun and climb up on a roof, then he had time to tranquilize the tiger rather than kill it.

The Tiger is probaly Glad to be dead an not have to suffer ten or more years stuck in a cage...Now Stuff the remains an put it on display for all the people so another LIVE animal doesnt have to endure such agony as being caged threwout its life

AG99

Sanctuaries for animals. NOT cages.

There are many species of animals that are extinct in the wild, and the last ones are in zoos. There are also several species that there are special breeding programs for, because there are so few left in the wild.

I agree that an animal in a small concrete-floored cage is wrong. There are zoos that do it wrong, and zoos that do it right. Some zoos are spectacular.

Unless you actually SEE a tiger or other large cat in person, up close, you have no way to appreciate the size and strength of these animals. There is no media that can convey what you actually see in real life.

Once again, this situation was caused by human error and carelessness. This has occurred with other large cats, elephants, large apes, killer whales, etc. Always a bad situation for all concerned. Attention to detail and procedure is ALWAYS A MUST!

Prayers up for the human victim and her family-I send my condolences.

I also feel badly about the tiger's death. As stated previously, it is correct that tigers get a "taste" for human blood and actively seek it. (Bengal tigers in India).

RIP to both.

Mixed feelings here regarding zoos. Our zoos in my city are operated by the World Wildlife Foundation whos mission is all about conservation.

As far as why the tiger was shot, a child could easily see- it was trying to kill a woman. When something is trying to kill a person, the proper human response is to do what needs to be done in order to prevent it. The woman ended up dying later in the hospital, but I think it is better to try and save the woman than to watch her get eaten.

Animal lover: If we don't put them in captivity there will be no more of them. Is that what you want? The habitats for large animals is almost non-existent. The forests and fertile land are being utilized for food,cattle,and money. I wonder if you care about the plants and other species going extinct? America has paid a lot of money around the world for preserves, only to have them dismantled when a new leader takes over. Remember the Rain Forests? In India and China environmentalism is not high on their list for tiger or anything else.

@ Sas-3793988 The only one who sounds like a loon on here is you! The problem with your idiotic idea, is first and foremost they are children NOT animals. But beyond that, Tigers don't spend money. If you want to protect the Tigers, you have to get people onboard with their finances to save them. Zoos help do that. Whether you like animals in zoos or not, actually doesn't matter. What does matter, is that they help the very animals that you and I love.

The people complaining about the tiget getting killed are the same people that don't believe in the death penalty for murderers but believe in abortion! Screwed up ideas!!!

@ Koobee Before you put up posts, you should actually know what you are talking about. Talk to zoo directors and you will find that infact zoos do play a major role in helping young children become interested in animal conservation. They devote whole programs just to children. Also there is nothing like holding and feeding a Lion cub. You can't get that kind of experience by staring at a webcam no matter how up close and personal it let's you get.

Karen, Beeerm, et.al. It is illegal to "hunt" tigers. It is highly paid POACHERS supplying China and Asia with exotic animals for their unusual culinary and medical demand. Tiger penis soup to cure impotence (as if China needs any more people), Rhino horn for arthritis and long life, Lion testicles for a faint heart, the list is endless and medically useless, yet they believe it works so the demand is enormous. What part of these facts can't you Brahmin understand?

Comments like your are idiotic at best, Blatantly stupid and egotistical at worst. When you grow up, mentally not chronologically, Perhaps, just perhaps you will be able to see past the PETA, Humane society, ELF, ALF B.S. and see what is really going on.

And for the record,, Where do you suppose the largest portion of wildlife habitat and conservation program money comes from? That's right from license fee, tags, permit access charges and other things paid for by outdoors people, fishermen and hunters in the U.S. Check the number for your selves. Get an education, you sound like a bunch of little children crying to save Bambi, your pathetic.

Since being placed on the threatened species lit thirty years ago, wild tigers can not be captured for zoo exhibits, They come exclusively from captive breeding programs among zoo's world wide. Were it not for captive breeding programs several species would be extinct in the wild now. Dummies.

Niece1964 you are very wrong about your theory. I fully support the death penalty for sick human beings that kill for pleasure or whatever reason. Animals don't do that. They kill for survival and it is their instinct. If human choose to mess with wild animals, they have to be prepared to handle emergency situations. My first reaction to this story was "poor tiger" I know that sound wrong, but animals don't deserve to die for being what they are. Murderers on the other hand.......different story. And I don't believe in abortion. It's simple, innocent helpless creatures, animals and babies, deserve to live. Sick murderers don't. You have it very backwards

Karen-104****;

You are the worst sort of bigot. Uneducated, ignorant and spreading falsehoods as if truth.

Fact, Wolf packs kill for sport. They often engage in killing beyond survival.

FAct, Most of the Big cats and even Bobcat and Lynx kill for sport. Very often not eating what they kill but leaving to rot or be scavenged by other animals.

So do you support the death penalty for lying, biased morons, like PETA, ALF. ELF, etc? You should, they've clearly sold you a bill of goods. If you find wild animals so lovable or cuddly, why not pick up a bear cub, or Puma cub? We'll see how innocent and helpless they are when they rip your face off.

Zoo animals for the most part and in the case of tigers come EXCLUSIVELY from captive breeding programs. It has been illegal for thirty years to capture or keep wild tigers for anny purpose including zoo exhibits. Try to get some FACTS, I know it's difficult for those who no longer think for themselves, but give it a try.

It's a sad day for the loved ones of the person killed, my thoughts are with them. That said I do not believe the tiger should have been put down because of a human error and in return, it doing what it would do naturally, hunt. Tranquilizers should have been sufficient and making sure things are secure next time are the obvious things that should have been done.

honestly, people? you would like a lion to be in a cage so that your kid can feed it? thats insane! i have gone to the zoo twice, and it really depresses me. I feel extremely bad for the zookeepers family, no matter how she died, and im not trying to justify the grusome death, bu these animals are caged all thier lives, so that what? we could look at them? thats terrible. I would way rather no that they are the wild and enjoying the life they should then to go to zoo and get depressed. and this is what we show are kids? thats its ok to cage animals and kill them if they hunt? and yes, we are losing them, so why kill something thats soooo preciouse to us? we should try and stop the extinction first. so, all you people who think killing preciouse, beautiful animals that claim its good education- why dont you help conservation?

also,we dont need to see animals to have a connection- we live here together for a reason.

Maybe someone from another culture should capture you and put you in a cage in their country so their children can come see what Americans look like up close and in person.

That's already been done by many cultures around the globe, Karen...it's called SLAVERY. Try and keep up with the times, you emotion driven hysteric. And I've got a great idea: let's just close all the zoos and aquariums and parks like Sea World, return all the animals to their habitat, and kill funding for animal species research and conservation! Let the animals live and die on their own in the wild as it was meant to be. No need to teach children about animals up close and personal when they can just watch TV or read a book. And if we have a natural or man-made disaster, we shouldn't rescue animals either. Let them suffer and die. Oh, and let's ban African safaris while we're at it too. That may upset the animals too. No more animal contact between man and animal! Would that make you happy Karen?

Nicodemus, animals do what nature intends them to do. The zookeepers chose to put that tiger in the zoo. The tiger did not ask to be held captive and when he did what comes naturally, he was killed for it. When the killer whale drowned that trainer a couple of years back, they had the common sense to not kill it. When humans decide to mess with wildlife, they knowingly take a risk. And how does being an animal lover make me a bigot? Just because these animals come from captive breeding programs doesn't mean the animal no longer has the instinct of a tiger. Caging them up is not what is in their best interest.

Tigers are eating machines. They should be free and protected not placed in a cage.

TONY BEEEERN: Just out of curiosity, what do you have in your mouth.

Marcus, is that you? You mean to tell me you don't recognize your own wife?

Karen;

The tiger has never know anything else, it is the product of captive breeding programs. What part of it is illegal to capture wild tigers for thirty years, can't you understand? Captive tigers are not as nature intended them, they have no fear of man, they are far more likely to attack without provocation as wild tigers, like all wild animals try to avoid contact with humans. The loss of this captive bred animal is of ZERO consequence to the wild population. Bigot; definition; One who hates others and even members of one own kind for ambiguous reasons. Quote: "I fully support the death penalty for hunters" A bit bigoted don't you think?

Tell me, how, lacking the presence of natural predator does one manage the number of wild life herds? Answer you don't, they multiple out of control and soon starve because of overgrazing, add in the drought and presto, thousands of starving animals. Just wait until this winter when the deer and elk start starving. I can hear the wailing now. Are you going to tell me you want hundreds of wolves and mountain lions wandering the "burbs"? I think not.

Were it not for humans who "mess" with wildlife, there would be little wild left in life. You need to broaden you experience base. In today's urban and suburban landscape, were it not for human intervention many species would be extinct. But then, i doubt most would be able to function long in a natural world. You would be prey to some helpless, innocent predator in short order, I think.

As for the Orka that attacked a trained, no, they released it with a tracker. It was last tracked trying to join a wild Orka pod, and has not been seen or heard again. What do suppose happened to it? Most likely the wild pod killed it as an intruder. Nature is not a kind place, it is kill or be killed. again fact.

Nicodemus, is it possible for you to make one post to anyone on here without sounding condasending. I do agree that in many cases, animals need to be rescured and in captivity. My point is and always was, when an animal is taken out of it's natural habitat, it can and will sometime be dangerous and unpredictable and unless it was the only way to try to save the zookeeper, it should not have been killed for acting on instict. So please in the future, try to sound a little less insulting when trying to make a point.

Poor guy.. "darkest day" of his life... but he didn't waste any time opening the gates again. Wonder if he just threw a tarp over the bodies and sprayed them with fly killer.

all of the comments are interesting; however, nature has it's plans and life and death is part of it. who are we to alter natural extinction ??????it is evident that animals[wild] are in the jungles ,away from humans as creation intends. case in point, the dinosaurs......say no more, and cats and dogs are still in their natural habitat.

karen, you are 100% right. i was going to say many of the same thing but i read your comments and you said perfectly.

obama no, your comments were so ignorant that i am embarrassed for you. your logic is absolutely stupid. do some reading once in a while that way when you leave a comment you won't sound so dumb. fact is that humans were given the knowledge to understand that if you cage a wild animal and forget to lock it, you very well may die. tigers were given the strength to kill without a weapon. whoever left the gate unlocked is responsible for her death, it may have been her. i think that caging a wild animal is abuse and should be against the law. zoos should be required to keep the animal in enclosure that are similar to the wild. obama believe me, the reasons there are zoos has nothing to do with what you said. they are simply there to make people money and i don't like zoos. or the circus or anything were animal are confined for the entertainment of humans. its evil

@ ruslis - Just because you don't like something, doesn't make it true. Obviously you have made it clear that you don't like animals in zoos, circuses, etc. However, try talking with some of these conservation zoos. I would be willing to bet that the San Francisco zoo would totally disagree with your statement that they are simply there to make people money. Don't take my word for it, get out there and actually educate yourself instead of sitting in your house reading your PETA magazines. Again it is simple, if you don't like those types of venues, DON'T GO. For those of us that do.....stay the hell out of our business!

"I shot and killed the animal so that we could enter ... and take a look. But the employee was already dead," he added.

The tiger wasn't killed simply because it killed the woman (to those of you wondering why it had to die). The zoo director stated why it was killed. They had to get to the woman. Yes, she was already dead, but that really doesn't matter. They had to recover the body.

Do you think the tiger would have quietly moved to a far-away corner and allow people to come in and take away its fresh kill?

On the flip-side...if that were your sister or mother...would you be okay with it if the zoo allowed the tiger to devour the body of your relative because no one could get to her for the tiger?

I'm sure there are ways of coaxing (or scaring) the tiger away from the body, but in the off-chance the woman was still alive, I wouldn't think there would have been a lot of time to do much. They shot it. It's sad. I hate to see beautiful creatures unnecessarily destroyed, but I do have to say that the human in the story holds more importance - even if it's her dead body we're talking about.

The zoo keeper is a moron with a temper. He belongs in some other line of business.

Why? Just because he put the safety of humans first and had no choice but to shoot a dangerous animal for their protection? I'll bet that if it was a police officer who shot a murder suspect dead you would be commending the officer instead of condemning him for having a temper. Something's wrong anytime you would value the life of a mere animal above that of a human being.

You call humans taking over wild lands and killing for medicinal purposes that are far fetched natural extinction? Please stay away from me.

And humans are the only species to kill for sport...meaning we go out of our way to kill for no reason than to see something die. Beware, I didn't say all humans kill for sport. Many outdoors men respect nature and the animals they harvest...that is not killing for sport when done legally. When wolves and big cats kill for sport, it is on their territory, similar to if a human's house was being invaded and he killed the perp...that's not sport. It is still survival.

When humans come in contact with wild animals, whether in their natural area or a stupid cage built for money making sensationalism, things like this are going to happen. The animals should not be required to pay with their lives for mistakes and natural instincts. They have as much right to be here as we do.

Geo- 305... "They have as much right to be here as we do." Please keep that in mind the next time you are camping or hiking and enjoying nature and a wild animal attacks one of your loves ones.

As I was growing up, there was Mutual of Omaha who did Wild Kingdom where they filmed animals in the wild. In some ways, I felt this was a good thing since people could get a glimpse of what wild animals did in the wild and I enjoyed watching it. On the other hand, I realized that when animals were sick or hurt could have helped perhaps get them medical attention, rehabilitated so that animal could have been saved. It always went that the animal was filmed lying there suffering and it died. This always made me sad and rather angry. Such a loss for aa animal which clearly could have been saved and lived out a longer life.

I do believe that humans can be good stewarts to Animals but should not try to keep them as our own. Just as people, we can not be owned. This is now what our maker intended for us and animals. I cant say this about dogs or domestic cats. There are certain animals which work well living with people but Exotic Animals are not what I would consider to be in this catagory. In Las Vegas earlier this past money a male chimp was killed when he got out and was roaming the streets. Police shot him. I realize chimps can be very strong and can harm people but what a tragic loss of a beautiful animal. They were able to save the female who was running lose with him but Come on people take a moment to stop and think. You simply can not go about working around these animals like it was going to the store to buy a six pack of soda. Precautions should always be in place. Exotic animals do not belong in residential areas. I must although stop to say I do have a zoo in my own neighborhood, they walk the camel down the street. The tigar and lion I believe are used in movies. But they are so darn cautious.

Mutual of Omaha made money from this series and I just wished that the money that they made was put back into research and care of animals which needed help. I do believe that there are animal rescues that take injured animals in to rehabilitate them and then release them back into the wild deserve a pat on the back. It just kills me to hear of any animal be killed because tigers and pray hunter animals are doing what is in their natural instinct to do is hunt and mull their pray. They mentioned in the article that the zoo had been careless in not putting safety mechinisms to prevent a latch from being mistakenly being left unlocked while the zoo keeper was working in the Tigers enclosure. This should be corrected where this never happens again. To take one of these animals in, try to say that they are not wild is a mistake. Even a domestic house cat will pounce if you wave a feather in front of them. It is their nature. The tiger should not be called at fault. I am sorry for the zoo worker who lost her life, her family who lost a person who they loved but the mistake she made, cost her and the tiger both their lives. The zoo must made corrections clearly so this can NEVER happen again. Hey even many banks in California USA have two doors to go through before you can enter the bank, why not for this zoo so nothing could have happened. There should have been an alarm system to show that the door was not closed and locked behind her. Another worker with her to watch her back or something.

If certain people on this forum had actually taken the time to read the entire article instead of rushing to the comment portion to spill their half-thoughts, they would have read that the tiger was shot in order to get to the woman. Once a tiger has killed, it can kill again. I am just as sad as anyone that a beautiful tiger was killed. But they did not know if the woman was alive or dead and could not get to her. I am sure they tried other ways to distract the tiger before choosing to kill it. We do not have all of the information and we were not there.

I am astounded at far humanity has degraded itself. We are, to many posters here, no more important than other animals are. What is so odd about such lunacy is that every other animal, could it have a logical thought, would comprehend its importance relative to the rest of the animal kingdom.

Hmmm, I don't know....that might be such a subtle insult that the people it is directed at will never get it.

Okay, the point is that humans are the most important animal species. That we can, and probably should, cage and study animals. That we, unlike all other animals on earth (and this includes your dog who appears to feel shame for having pooped on your floor), have the ability to consider what and who we are, to think logically and abstractly. None of this is to say the tiger should've died, but that is true too. The point is that we are better than any other animal on earth for reasons specific to being human.

Now, about reading comprehension...Someone above got close to the answer of why was this tiger shot, but still got it wrong. The story isn't about retrieval of the woman's body. Or retribution. It was about killing the tiger so that people could get in the cage area as quickly as possible in the hope of saving the zookeeper. Once in, then they discovered she was already dead.

Well said Patty! One of the most compelling posts I've read on here.

Life portrays life. The dictator of Ghana wants to kill every person on death row immediately including political dissenters. NBCNEWS wants to remove all comments it invited by deleting them or collapsing them. That is censure ship and stopping the public that attracts sponsorship to these sites from viewing opposing and ridiculous comments. I WANT TO SEE OPPOSING AND RIDICULOUS COMMENTS.

ofcourse1, one of my comments got collapsed and it has 57 likes. It's at the beginning of this discussion. On the otherhand, there are a couple of posters on here that have been very rude and insulting and they are still there. I'd like to know who decides which comments are collapsed and which ones are not.

I like they way the keep the animals at Lion Country Safari or Bush Gardens, where the animals run free and you drive your car through (windows up and hands inside) or on a train to see the animals. I have found memories of both places and remember a lion sitting on the hood of our car.

Like the model who walked into that plane prop several months back, this is another example of someone not paying attention to what they are doing in a dangerous and serious situation. I understand the zoo keeper killing the tiger so emergency teams could get to the woman quickly. But unfortunately, it was her neglect that got herself and the tiger killed. Inattention at the wrong time can be deadly.

Rich,

We should be astounded at humanity as to how it has degraded itself in how it has treated animals.

Man has lost his noble character which can be seen as how we (us animals) treat our fellow animal brothers and sisters and this includes not only caged animals in zoos but all farms animals taken to their gruesome, tortured deaths, animals used and tortured unspeakably in experiments and on and on and on......

So, no, I can't say we are better than animals for whatever specific reasons. Animals are beautiful creations for their own specific reasons and purpose and don't deserve what man is doing to them.

"Man is a habitual criminal toward the animals."... "Man: a down and out shoddy animal." Karlheinz Deschner (1924-) Dr of Philosophy, historian, literary specialist and repeated award winning author.

My thoughts exactly.

I really understand that this woman had family, friends etc who are deeply saddened.... but there are over 6 billion people. And very few tigers. The tiger is the greater loss.

Who gives a @!$%# about the person, the tigers life was numerically worth millions more.

Very well said

Wild majestic animal trapped in a cage sees an opportunity to punish its captor gladly seize it and is now roaming free in Tiger Heaven.

"Who gives a @!$%# about the person"

I'm sure that the family will care about the death of their relative. Close friends of the zookeeper will also be sad. Saying that no one cares about the death of a human being is just plain out idiotic. I'm sad that the tiger is dead and the Zookeeper made a mistake, but we all make mistakes.

Karens post #1.8 actually reminded me of a Twilight Zone episode. Roddy McDowell's character is put into his "natural" habitat.

On a more serious note. Like most people who post on here..I ask the same question. Who in their right mind wouldn't make sure a gate is securely locked.?!!

What a horrific ending for the woman and the tiger.

It is sad that animals have to be caged, period. For all those who condone such teatment, I have an empty cage in my backyard, and will like to invite them to come live in it for the rest of their natural lives. Free rent and food, ofcourse.

Amazon: This tiger doesn't know it's majestic and it was probably never wild to begin with. Many zoo animals come from private collections or inter-zoo breeding programs. I also seriously doubt this tiger had punishment in mind when it attacked a potential food source. And I won't even comment on "Tiger Heaven."

A few facts for the animal rights folks out there.

1) It has been illegal to capture and keep wild tigers since they were placed on the threatened species list some thirty years ago.

2) Zoo tigers come exclusively from captive breeding programs.

3) a tiger loose in a crowded zoo poses a real danger anyone it encounters.

4) Were it not for captive breeding programs, many species would already be extinct.

5) Asia and particularly China are responsible for the pouching of these animals world wide for their unusual culinary and medicinal beliefs. Tiger penis soup is a staple treatment for impotence in China.

Get an education beyond the nonsense put out by PETA, the (in)Humane society (who kills 87% of all the animals they "rescue") and other like minded droids. You only make yourselves sound stupid.

Nicodemus, I've read through your posts and I find one common theme....you love to insult people and try to make everyone who doesn't agree with you sound ignorant. Is that how you try to prove a point? Try posting your thoughts without calling everyone on here stupid, and ignorant.

Karen;

Should I use your example, then? You call for the death of people who engage in hunting, fishing, etc. Way to promote good will and civility. If you want to prove your point, try FACTS. I have been active in conservation and restoration for fifty years, unlike the idiots at PETA, I do actually make a difference.

If facts are troublesome, I apologize. But, the facts are, what they are. Not to worry, many people think me abrasive. So, you are not alone. Funny thing is, those who find a "common theme" in my posts are generally those who are putting out the B.S. to begin with. Speak of what you know and not put out bias and dis-information, then you won't have the problem of "common themes".

This was not a wild tiger, it was captive brad animal that attacked and killed a human and posed the same threat to anyone at the zoo when outside it enclosure. Not the natural reaction of a wild tiger, they avoid contact with humans. There is not always time to tranquilize a dangerous animal in the interest of saving more lives. Concern yourself with the wild tigers, they are the ones in danger of extinction. These captive bred tiger will go on forever unless the breeding programs are banned. In the event, then there may well be no tigers left. Good Day.

the one that needs to be shot is the one that left the gate open. I think it was a set up, Theo is in love with the keeper but she wouldn't open the gate...so he got his revenge by opening the gate himself. Then shot the tiger as his defence and cover up. Kinda like Col. Mustard and Miss Scarlet with a rope in the bedroom. There is a clue for ya!

Nicodemus, where and when did I call for the death penalty for people who engage in hunting and fishing? I said I believe in the death penalty for people who murder other people. Go back and re-read what I wrote and to put it in terms you can understand.....try to keep up.

Nicodemus1946

Wait wait wait, you say that this wasn't a wild animal because it was bred in captivity? LOL!!!

So, as long as animals are bred in captivity they are safe for people to handle? I'll run out and get me a bred in captivity alligator then, after that a lion to, maybe a hyena because they make me laugh.

Bred in captivity makes no difference to a wild animal, that does not make it a domesticated animal in any way, shape, or form.

Be Accountable.... if you look back at all of Nicodemus' posts you'll see that he likes to talk like he knows everything and tries to make the rest of us look stupid with all of his insults and condescending remarks to everyone who does share his point of view. By his own admission, he is abrasive. He must be a load of fun at a party.

Siegfried & Roy; do we remember what happened with their tiger? Sometimes just like everybody else you get in a bad mood. How do you stop a 600lb tiger? You shoot it. Simple answer; that person was worth more than that tiger.

Siegfried & Roy; They didn't kill their tiger!

Reneeandlloyd, they didn't kill it because they took responsibility for putting themselves in that situation, which is the correct thing to do. Bob...if you don't put dangerous animals in a position to kill humans, you wouldn't have to worry about it.

Karen: You can be killed by a mosquito. They are dangerous too. Don't kill them because you put yourself in danger by going outside. Logic? Your gardening rattlesnake is about to strike. Do you kill it with the hoe?

My thoughts exactly.

Dre - did you READ the article ?

The zookeeper died AT the HOSPITAL; thus, we (even YOU) can surmise that she was ALIVE after being attacked. THUS, the tiger HAD to be killed ASAP so that rescue workers could get INTO the enclosure to save the lady's life. A trank dart MAY or may NOT have worked fast enough - a bullet sure would.

Couldn't agree more! Why did the Tiger need to be shot Dead?! Don't they have Tranquilizer guns over there? The Siberian Tiger is one of the most beautiful animals alive and CRITICALLY endangered! Why did it have to die because some Human did not do Their job properly?? It DIDN'T!! Also, while I agree in principal with thos who say they should be in the wild, that is where they are being decimated and having them in zoos MAY be their only chance for survival at all! I am very sorry the keeper died. Tragic. But that is the chance one takes when working with these wild animals and the tiger was just following it's insticnts and did not have to die for it.

I agree 100% DreDre! This was my first thought. If some idiot left the gate open why did the tiger have to die. The tiger is acting off of pure instinct. I am sure when you take the job you know there are risks. The tiger had no choice to be at the zoo but the zookeeper did.

I agree that I wish there was another way, but I agree with Jeff. From what I took from the article, the tiger escaped his enclosure and had to be shot not only to rescue the worker that was injured, but to stop the tiger from attacking anyone else. Tranq darts take a while to take effect and the larger the animal, the longer it takes. As a wildlife specialist, I have learned that the tiniest mistake can cost you dearly and I have the scars to prove it but boy did I learn something everytime. Yes, the tiger was doing what tigers do, but to say that it did this out of "being so hungry" is pretty out there. This is a world renowned zoo - give them the benefit of the doubt. It is a tragedy, but from tragedy comes knowledge and hopefully this will be a reminder to all those that work with wild animals to be that much more cautious in doing their jobs.

This is what happens when you take an animal out of their natural habitat and gage them.I don't blame the tiger one bit.He's acting like he's supposed to act and they kill him.No sympathy for the zookeeper.

These are Gods creatures and we lock them up for our pleasure.If you want to see tigers go over to India.

Animals that are rescued and can't go back to the wild is a different story.

This incident was very unfortunate, I can't help but wonder who was the irresponsible person that failed to properly lock the gate, smh.......

"Entire continents of children would never be able to SEE tens of thousands of animals, indigenous to other lands; the next generation of veterinarians and environmentalists would not be inspired to continue the good work"

Jeff

Veterinarians come from children visiting the zoo??????? Yeah, right.

Environmentalists not continue their good work. REALLY.

Jeff & Emily you both couldn't be more wrong.. Especially you Emily w/your work backgroud! I also work w/animals as a living (in a zoo as well as a zookeeper) & you and I both do know that like you said ya you learn things as you do like you said but tranq darts take no longer then several bullets which it didn't take just one bullet and you & I both know this! This is complete & utter bull@!$%# what happened! What happened to this caretaker is a HUGE tragedy to her and her family no doubt about that but to wildlife as well. That tiger should NOT have been put down for doing what comes natural to him for a simple human mistake! We all take a risk working w/wildlife and even any animal even domestic which doesn't make it right but, you don't kill them because you forgot to shut the gate & their hunting. I completely get the Paramedics needed to get to her and get her to the hospital STAT... Understandable...Why wasn't the Tiger shot w/a tranq dart thou from the get go as soon as it was noticed thou that he was attacking her??? The sooner the better is what we've always been taught!!!! Once we can get the human out of the "cage/viewing area" we're safe & can provide first-aide till help arrives...And most Zoo's are supposed to have the tranq gun ready to go w/the exact weight already figured out as well.....Even over there!!!

And the loss of a single captive bred tiger affects the number in the wild by how much? ZERO! Tigers were put on the threatened species list 30 years ago. Captive breeding was the only way for zoo's to continue exhibiting them as it was then illegal to capture them in the wild. You people really need to try to keep up instead of relying on PETA and other morons for your information.

In many ways, these captive animals are more dangerous to humans than than their wild brethren, as they have lost all fear of humans. It has been a two edged sword, on one hand you have animals for exhibit and study, on the other, they are flawed in that they are not natural in their actions and lack certain instincts and are therefore, more likely to attack a human. While this continues the blood line and if the POACHING is not stopped soon, captive tigers will likely be the only remaining members of the species left. Instead of forwarding lies, how about the world community put pressure of China and Asia to stop using tigers, lions, rhinos, giraffes, etc.,etc.,etc., in their culinary and medicinal traditions.

They will evidently eat anything that doesn't eat them first.

why did they have to shoot the tiger? after all we took the tiger out of his natural inviroment knowing how dangerous they are? its not the lions fault==he was just doing whats natural for tigers to do. some DUMB ASS zoo keeper cost this beautiful animal his life just to put him in a zoo for profit. I HAVE NO SORROW FOR THE ZOO KEEPER=HE GOT WHAT HE OR SHE DESERVED

am i the only one that shares this opinion?

Nico, I see why you are angry and I get most of your points..disagree with some, but some are valid. BUT there is no reason to call people names here and act as if you are the only person who knows anything about animals at all. You could make your points without insulting everyone who doesn't see things your way...really.

tragic that 2 lives were lost, quit playing the blame game....period

i sincerly opologize(misspelled)if i seem in sentitive but i only voiced my opion.NO im not playing the blame game but the tiger did not volunteer to go and to live in a cage, a HUMAN captured the tiger and put the tiger in the zoo solely for profit.after all do animals NOT have rights too?

we are all intitled to our opinions=right or wrong=thats why i love the USA a country that i became 100% disabled while serving.We should be able to disagree and not become enemies.ty for your opinion and for your response to mine

obamano are you an expert on wild animals?so seem to be correct and disagree with everyone except one person.now im asking politely=please answer this one question for me.thank you very much,sincerly Robert Farrell

Of course, in a perfect world there would be no zoos or privately owned exotic animals, but if you look at the research, the tigers in captivity may be the only way to save the species. But you also have to understand that although these tigers in captivity may save the species, tigers born in captivity have never been in the wild and do not usually have the capacity to survive in the wild. I would release every animal in every form of captivity if I could, but it doesn't work that way. The REAL issue is that the environment that these animals need to survive is being destroyed every minute. If we can do something to stop that, we can save millions of animals and leave them where they belong - FREE!!

Fricken idiot.....Another example of someone who thinks they are being cute and it just shows their stupidity.

So Obama no, Uncle Henry is an idiot for sympathizing with the Tiger? That was my first thought as well being an animal lover. The human in this story screwed up and the tiger had to be killed because of their negligence. I feel for the woman and her family, but an animal lover will ALWAYS feel for the animal who is wronged.

The tiger had to be put down, because it was now outside it's enclosure. Could go after others.

What a douche bag. But... at least you're on the right track with evidently realizing how dangerous another Obama term would be. He's pushed and shoved us to the very edge of oblivion, and another term would only let him finish us off.

The edge of oblivion was in 2008. I don't want to go back.

Nice..politics. Nice...name-calling. Really classy, people.

Why isn't there anything in this story about golf? I hate misleading headlines.

Brilliant!

Maybe because they don't know who closed the gate improperly? Or maybe because, in light of the tiger and the zookeeper's death, it really wasn't important to identify the suspect. And it really isn't in good taste to release the name of the offender and have the internet rain death threats on him.

Exactly. Everyone bought the story right off, did you notice? Very interesting. Makes me want to ask some questions....

That's just it, my uninformed friend. Wild tigers are far more likely to avoid contact with humans. Captive bred tigers have lost their natural fear of humans and are far more likely to attack. Do a little research, the capture of wild tigers was outlawed thirty years ago when they were placed on the threatened species list. When they went on the endangered list it became illegal to harass or pursue, or interfere with them in any way.

Tigers in zoo exhibits come exclusively from captive breeding programs started 29 years ago between zoo's world wide. They are not wild, and as such are flawed example of the species. Sadly, If the poaching to satisfy China and Asia's appetite for the exotic and use in their medicinal practices is not stopped soon, these flawed example will be all that are left.

hatchi... I think that the most dangerous species on the planet are human. Very few other species kill their own kind. We seem to keep coming up with new ways, almost daily, to annihilate each other. I suppose that is some sort of "evolution" though, no matter how twisted.

Zoo's serve a valid social purpose in educating young and old alike in animal conservation. The professionals who usually work in these institutions are animal lovers themselves. These animals are ambassabors of their kind and are normally under extreme stress for lack of their natural environment. That is why there CAN'T be mistakes PERIOD. I am a volunteer and worked two or three feet away from Tigers, Polar Bears, Otters, Sea Lions, Leopards, etc. If the keeper were to survive this attack she most likely would have advocated against harm to this beautiful animal. Such is their passion. I hope her's was too. It is unfortunate that some feeble minded people such as the zoo director who chose to kill this animal for his institution's negligence in safeguarding and protecting the animals under its care.

As for some comments made by people like "Obama no", etc. they are idiots. They bring no real argument to the table except with their pre-disposition to certain political party which had no place in this conversation at all. Shame on you.

Humans are by nature fallible. So strict rules should be in place to harm no animal because of our negligence. Meaning if we screw up we screw up and we pay. Leave the animal alone. It didn't do anything out of ordinary to go seek this person. It is the person who was negligent and these accidents are likely to occur again and again. Killing an animal who was to be protected in the first place is unconscionable and deplorable. A Tiger tamed or not is still Wild and the instinct can't be suppressed. One should learn to respect that. It is in their nature to chase, kill, make the most of an opportunity. The institution should be penalized for not maintaining a safe environment for both humans as well as animals "Partitularly to animals". Zoos MUST NOT kill animals EVEN when animals attack. Everything comes at a price. A human paid the price here with her life for her/or others' mistake. It is very sad and I sympathize with the family but the animal doesn't deserve to die.

Only Lions in Kenya.

Rockinroadie, there's always an idiotic comment in any story. Yours far surpasses idiocy! Are you seriously suggesting you'd be happy if the President of the United States were mauled to death by a tiger? Obviously you are. How about this--try being a civilized human being, vote for Romney in November, and in effect, you'll get your wish.

Sarasotan, actually, no. I was just throwing in a little humor. I would never wish death on anyone, even Der Fuhrer. But yes, I will be voting for Romney. On a related note, rumor is BUSH LEFT THE GATE OPEN!!

:o)

Sarasotan;

And how is it different from the calls for people to kill the zoo keeper? Why no righteous indignation about that? Biased much?

rockinroadie... Bush left the gate open for the banks to run rampant. Yeah, go vote for "Mitt" Romney. The best government money can buy. Next time try to stick to the subject, okay? Don't try to "throw in a little humor" about something as tragic as this, you imbecile.

This is exactly what I was thinking - cheers to"sweetie-3558272" humans do STUPID things and such a creature of beauty is killed ???? why not sedated? Where is the story in such a quick death to an animal that was just being itself. Was the tiger provoked? Sedate and return to the wild if that is an option. Killing is cowardly and implies just how far we have evolved. I wonder if the killer (person) wanted a new rug...... Despicable actions on behalf of a community that has been watching over these types of animals for how long - since 1860???? Zeit neu zu bewerten, was du tust und warum die Menschen in den Colongen zoo Teh!!

Sweetie-bunch of meaningless numbers;

Where is "HERE" exactly? Limiting you scope to the U.S. are we? This happened in Germany, you know that country in Europe you'll likely never visit?

Lookout Man;

The loss of a single captive bred tiger is a net loss of what to the wild population? ZERO. Captive tigers are far more likely to make unprovoked attacks on humans than their wild brethren, as they have lost their fear of humans. This tiger, therefore was not acting in a natural way, wild tigers avoid contact with humans. As to your observation on evolution, you are aware that humans are THE most successful predators to ever walk the earth, are you not?

All you people think nature is some utopian place where everything lives in harmony and peace? Guess again, the natural world is a cold cruel place, filled with kill or be killed. You are either eating or being eaten. Your naivete' is showing.

Nicodemus1946

The loss of life in this fashion is regrettable, my point should you be inclined to read on; was that, since 1860 the Zoo should have had contingencies in place for situations like this -then no one dies. We are shielded from all the facts (this is no surprise). We have contingencies for the mosquito - (West Nile infection); and yet none here??? Pathetic, sloppy management.

Get a life.

Obama no, you're the one that needs a life. Unless you are one of the 1% (which I doubt) you DESERVE the Darwin Award. Voting against your own self interest is one thing. But believing that majestic animals should be zooed because your own stupid offspring cannot enjoy or comprehend the need for animal sanctuaries and strict government control of poaching, is simply ludicrous. The next thing can you not understand that human beings are over-populating, this world we all share, at an alarming rate. It actually might be too late all ready to save the world for future generations. OH wait you are a republican at best and a teabagger, on the opposite side of the conservative scale, so you don't really care what happens in future generations since you won't be there. Obama no get a llife because the one you are living only shows that animals should rise up hunt us into extinction and put the remainder of us in zoos.

@ Dulcevida- Thank you for your opinion. It let's others see that ignorance is alive and well. It also strengthens my point that we need to continue with zoo and their conservation efforts. I see the need for animal sanctuaries and government control of poaching. HOWEVER, what you seem to fail to realize, is that many of these governments don't have the funds to take care of their own people let alone keep a handle on poaching. Example: Elephant poaching for ivory is on the rise. Despite "strict government laws" To help they need money. Zoos help to that end. Whether you like it or not! As to your stereotyping me a Republican? An Independent thank you although I don't see what that has to do with anything about this article. Lastly, I do care what happens to future generations and I believe that if you are that worried about overpopulation, you volunteer and take yourself out so that me and my "Stupid Offspring" can enjoy zoos for many years to come. Maybe you will even go to "Tiger Heaven" as someone stated earlier. If you are not willing to sacrifice yourself, then please keep your mouth shut about overpopulation of humans. Thanks.

Obama no... Why don't you take your "opinions" elsewhere?

P.S. Watch what you wish for.

Sam-3910... I suppose if my opinions fell lock step with what you believe then you wouldn't mind them being all over the place. Unfortunately for you we have this thing in our country called Freedom of Speech. Which means that my "opinions" get to stay on here right next to your "opinions" Great how that works huh.

P.S. I don't remember wishing for anything.

Dr. Blue - I would rather they "suffer" for "entertainment" than for rugs, coats, etc.

Thats great.............lets kill an endangered species because of human error. The tiger did not make an error, it was put on this earth to kill and then eat. I am pretty sure that the zookeeper understood her duty and just failed to complete the task. Human error once again and an animal pays for it..........an endangered animal.

god speed tiger

If a human kills another human, they are put in a cage for the rest of their life. The tiger should have just been put back in his cage. He didn't deserve the death penalty.

you moron!!! I care for the tiger and the lady who left the door open!!! the only diference here is that the lady had a thinking brain, and the tiger was doing what wild animals do:::attack!

obama-no, your an idiot!PERIOD!and i am intitled to my opion so please dot respond to my opion=your have your opion and i have mine. so we disagree=so what! thats what makes the world go round.i only wish there were less fools on our planet and lots more tigers and other animals

@ robert farrell - I only wish you made sense. I do agree with you about one thing, we certainly do need less fools on this planet....

obama no-=you a typical dumb @!$%# id love to put a FN bullit in you

obama no=your a dumb F-U-C-K and id love nothing more than to put a bullit in your FN head

Obama no... excuse me ... the animals didn't ask to be put in a freak show..... it's an animal at the end..... Humans are to blame.... sorry for her, but I feel for the animal , cause they should never be caught and put in a inclosure for entertainment, they are born wild they should stay that way.....

This article leaves me with a lot of different emotions. First, my heart goes out to the woman and her family. It is such ashame she was doing probably what she did for quite a few years and do to one "slip up" by someone, she is now dead. How dreadfully sad.

I must add however; I do feel equally as sorry for the siberian tiger. Animals again as this story proves, do not have rights. This poor tiger did not go off just because it wanted to kill this woman. The tiger was probably either trying to play (and is huge so playing for them can always be dangerous) or it was just an institual thing. The zoo owner I feel in my humble opinion, did not have to shoot the tiger. He could have secured the area and made sure the tiger was not able to harm anyone else, and saved the tigers life. I do not understand why killing an animal just because they do an "instinctive thing" is just cause for killing them.

If two workers got in a fight at the zoo, and one ended up killing the other one by accident, would the owner of the zoo kill the person who did the killing? No, the person would be arrested, given a trial and then a punshment. No, I am not saying they should have arrested the tiger. I am just saying, that tiger was in the care of someone who opted to shoot him because some human was killed.

Again, I say I feel very sorry for the woman and her family. God rest her soul, may she rest in peace.

I totally agree with Magical Mike! Why should the tiger have died when it was
a human at fault for the entire incident? The tiger did nothing that a tiger
shouldn't do. It is natural instinct for the tiger to hunt and kill. If anybody
should have been "punished" for this incident, it should be the human who didn't
properly lock the cage! Did anyone bother to shoot and kill that person?! I too
am very upset every time I read about an alligator, or any other animal, that is
killed doing what God has created it to do! I also don't understand why
humans who kill other humans or even animals, aren't shot and killed for their
acts of aggression in taking life from another living creature! If humans are
indeed superior to all other living creatures, maybe it's time we start acting
that way, and stop snuffing out life of creatures for living the way they were
created to live! I feel sorry for the woman who was killed, but the tiger did
nothing wrong, and now it is dead too. Very sad!

agreed!!! Once again human error and an animal pays for it......

Your A :o) Lib idiot.Maybe you clowns can mandate a tiger outreach program.

:o).....your name says it all...lefty,hou san...:o(

I totally agree , Dave ..the tiger was just doing what came natural to him . So sad for all involved in this senseless killing ):

R Battle... Right on.

"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." Albert Einstein

My thoughts exactly...If an animal kills a human being, the animal gets killed. But if a human being with a BRAIN kills another human.....???? why not declared the tiger insane, like the animal that killled those people in Aurora, CO.. Why can't we do the same?

How true it is,and if we go to the jungles and kill a tiger for food or s little profit to live theres a big deal to be made like you just were labeled a cearal killer or child molester.

Once again another animal killed because of stupid human error! Why didn't they consider tranquilizing the tiger - not shoot him dead. S.O.B.s....all of 'em!!!

right on MIMI