A male tiger in a German zoo has killed its new female companion after it was hoped they would breed together.
Neuwied Zoo in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate proudly announced that after being alone for a long time, their male tiger Ivo would finally be getting a tigress to keep him company after being brought over from Magdeburg Zoo.
She already had a cub with another tiger in Magdeburg Zoo, and it was hoped that she would reproduce with Ivo as well.
However, at their first meeting, Ivo attacked and critically injured the seven-year-old tigress.
Zoo director Mirko Thiel said that the wounds appeared not life-threatening at first, but the tigress then died two days after the incident.
He said she had not adapted very well to the new environment and showed signs of anxiety, but they had decided to put them together anyway after both tigers seem to be getting on and showed signs affection.
There had also been no problem when they had been put into one cage separated by a barrier.1.
According to the zoo’s statement, Ivo then changed completely when the door between the cages opened and instantly rushed at her. They said the attack lasted only for a few seconds before they managed to get eight-year-old Ivo back in his cage.
Even though the zoo’s employees were expecting a positive outcome, they were aware everything depends on the nature of the animals and that nothing can be predicted in advance.
Kimberly had previously given birth to baby tiger Stormi in Magdeburg three years ago and there had been high hopes that she would do the same with Ivo.
Neuwied Zoo is located at the edge of the town of Neuwied and borders the Rhine-Westerwald Nature Park.
Currently, there are around 1,800 animals that live in the zoo and approximately around 80 employees.
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Story By: Georgina Jadikovska, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash
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