Tiger that mauled zookeeper to death is rare Malayan breed and WON'T be put down

Rosa King, 33, died at Hamerton Zoo Park in Cambs on May 29 in what was described as a "freak accident" when a tiger attacked in an unsecured enclosure

A tiger that mauled a zookeeper to death was a rare Malayan breed and won't be put down, the park's director announced.

Rosa King , 33, died at Hamerton Zoo Park in Cambs on May 29 in what was described as a "freak accident".

She is believed to have been fatally attacked while going to the aid of a fellow worker after one of the zoo's four tigers got into an unsecured enclosure.

But Andrew Swales, director of the park, said the Tiger – known as Cicip – will not be put down because Rosa's parents said it is "not what she would have wanted."

Andrew Swales said he had the support of Rosa's parents (Photo: SWNS.com)

The park has been closed since the incident and is set to reopen on Friday following a licence and public safety inspection by Huntingdonshire District Council.

Mr Swales said: "The decision to reopen has been taken in consultation with the police, our staff and Rosa's family and while this remains a very difficult time for all concerned, there has been tremendous support for this.

"As always, the safety of our staff and members of the public remains our key priority.

"Rosa was the life and soul of Hamerton Zoo Park. She loved working with animals, particularly the big cats, and was an inspiration to those of us lucky enough to work with her as well as the many visitors who benefited from her knowledge and passion for wildlife."

Rosa was in an unsecured enclosure when she was attacked (Photo: SWNS-Cambridge-+44 (0)1179066550)
The park director also said he couldn't comment further while a joint health and safety investigation led by the council and Cambs Police is ongoing.

An inquest into Ms King's death was opened and adjourned at last week.

Senior coroner David Heming said Ms King died of "traumatic injuries" and was formally identified by Mr Swales, who had known her for 15 years.

He said the investigation into the circumstances of how the tiger came into direct contact with Rosa would "take some time to complete".

Following her death, Ms King's family paid tribute to the animal -lover, saying she "lived and breathed a vocation that meant the world to her".