German Police Shoot Escaped Tiger in Leipzig After Attack on 72-Year-Old Keeper
A tiger, believed to be part of a private collection owned by Carmen Zander, often referred to as Germany's "Tiger Queen," was shot dead by police near Leipzig after attacking one of its keepers.
Police confirmed that a 72-year-old man sustained serious injuries on Sunday following an attack within the tiger's enclosure, located at a privately-owned facility on the outskirts of Leipzig. The animal subsequently escaped but was swiftly located by armed officers, who then killed it.
The incident occurred at an industrial site near Schkeuditz, where local media report eight large cats are kept. Police stated the male tiger was shot to eliminate any further public risk, having received an emergency call around 12:50 local time.
An investigation is underway to determine how the tiger managed to escape. Authorities have conducted a drone search to ensure the site's security, confirming no other animals have absconded.
District Mayor Thomas Druskat called for the relocation of the remaining animals, expressing concern over the potential for further harm. Residents living nearby described the event as "terrible and worrying," with some questioning the suitability of the animals' living conditions. Animal rights organisation Peta has urged the German government to implement stricter regulations for privately-owned exotic animals.
A website associated with Zander advertises "unforgettable" tiger petting events for the public, where visitors can reportedly interact with "250kg powerhouses." The site displays images of eight tigers, three of which are indicated to have died within the last nine years. Social media posts attributed to Zander depict the tigers in their enclosures, claiming they are kept in an animal-friendly environment.
