A female zookeeper has been killed in a “freak accident” after a tiger entered the enclosure she was in.
Police were called at 11.15am on Monday to reports of a serious incident Hamerton Zoo Park in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.
A Magpas air ambulance was on the scene 20 minutes later and visitors were evacuated from the attraction a little before midday on Monday.
The zoo said: “This appears to have been a freak accident. A full investigation is currently under way and we hope that more details can be announced as soon as we are able.
“At no point during the incident did any animals escape their enclosures, and at no point was public safety affected in any way.
“All our thoughts and sympathies are with our colleagues, friends and families at this dreadful time.”
The zoo confirmed it would remain closed on Tuesday while the investigation continues.
People took to social media to express their condolences following the female keeper’s death.
One user posted on Twitter: “Terrible news about the keeper at Hamerton Zoo. Such an awful shock for everyone RIP.”
Another wrote: “A zookeeper sadly died earlier today at Hamerton Zoo. So tragic, their life was taken too soon. RIP.”
Cambridgeshire Constabulary said the tiger involved was believed to be fine, as Twitter users expressed fears over what would happen to the animal.
The force posted on Facebook: “Officers attended a serious incident at Hamerton Zoo Park, Steeple Girding, at around 11.15am today.
Update Hamerton Zoo Park: A keeper sadly died when a tiger entered the enclosure with her. At no point did the tiger escape from enclosure.
— Cambs police (@CambsCops) May 29, 2017
“A tiger had entered an enclosure with a keeper. Sadly the female zookeeper died at the scene. At no time did the animal escape from the enclosure. The incident is not believed to be suspicious.”
The force had earlier denied that any animals had escaped, saying members of the public were safe.
Eyewitness Jeff Knott, from Cambridgeshire, said staff had been “a real credit” to the zoo during the evacuation.
Reports of 'running in horror' and a 'stampede' at #HamertonZoo are, from what I saw, nonsense. Calm and professional evacuation by staff
— Jeff Knott (@jazzy_jeff44) May 29, 2017
The 32-year-old told the Press Association: “We had been in the zoo since about 10.30am and heard/seen nothing until asked to leave about 11.45am.
“Staff were very calm and professional. All visitors around us were leaving in a very calm manner – no running, shouting or anything similar.”
Antonia Brickell from Magpas air ambulance denied reports that visitors had been “running in terror”, adding: “The visitors were safely evicted from the zoo.
We can confirm that people were safely evacuated, no animals escaped the enclosure, no child was injured. Thanks.
— Magpas Air Ambulance (@Magpas_Charity) May 29, 2017
“No animals escaped the enclosure, no children were injured.”
She also confirmed that the incident was not terrorism-related.
An EEAST ambulance service paramedic crew and two rapid response vehicles also attended.
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