A Malayan tiger has attacked and killed a veteran keeper at a South Florida zoo.
Stacey Konwiser, 38, was killed by the 13-year-old male tiger in an enclosure known as the night house that is not visible to the public, Palm Beach Zoo spokeswoman Naki Carter said. It's where the tigers sleep and are fed.
The tiger was tranquillised and authorities had to wait until the sedative took effect before they could go to Konwiser's aid, West Palm Beach police spokeswoman Lori Colombino said.
Police also confirmed the tiger was in a contained area and guests were not at risk.
"At no time was any animal loose," Carter said.
Zoo officials said Konwiser's husband was also a zookeeper there. Grief counsellors had been sent in for the staff, and zoo officials said they were reaching out to Konwiser's family members, who lived out of state.
Florida Fish and Wildlife officials said they planned to investigate. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was also investigating.
