A stray tiger has attacked two other tigers at a Tokyo safari park after biting off the hand of a keeper.
Staff were about to open the park at 8.30 on Wednesday when the 10-year-old male Bengal was seen roaming around the Nasu Safari Park in Tochigi.
Kyodo news agency stated that the beast (330lbs, 150kg), which measures approximately two meters (6.5 feet) long, was not adequately fenced in his enclosure.
The creature was found in a corridor leading into an exhibit area by three staff members who returned from work the day before.
In her 20s, a female worker lost her hand. She was taken by helicopter to a hospital.
The second victim was bitten several times on her back, while the male worker suffered injuries to his forehead.
They were also both 20-years old and needed to be taken to hospital.
A 10-year old male Bengal found himself roaming in the Nasu Safari Park (pictured), which is located in Tochigi prefecture. Staff had just opened at 8.30am Wednesday morning.
Kyodo news agency stated that the beast, which weighed in at around 330lbs (1550kg), had not been adequately fenced within his enclosure the night prior (file photograph).
Kyodo claims that keepers failed to properly inspect the cage of the Tiger’s Cat after the exhibit was finished.
Police closed the park for the day, and are investigating whether mismanagement was involved.
There is no information on the fate of the tiger.
On Wednesday’s tweet by the park, it stated: “An accident occurred in the Tiger enclosure on January 5, and one worker was injured.”
“We’re currently verifying the employees’ condition and investigating the causes of the accident.
“We will inform you about all details as soon as possible.
“For the moment, the park is closed.”
You can take a tour on one of the specialised buses or drive your own vehicle to visit its 700-plus animals, including elephants and giraffes.
According to Kyodo, there have been safety incidents in the park before. Keepers were attacked by lions twice in 1997 and 2000.
This week’s attack follows a mauling by a tiger in Florida, USA. It happened just days after the owner of a Florida zoo was attacked and killed by the animal.
A graphic video of River Rosenquist 26 years old, Naples, is shown on December 29, as he lies bleeding to the ground in the Naples Zoo Tiger enclosure. Help me, please! My God! Get it! You’re going to die!”
Collier County sheriff’s deputies tried kicking the enclosure, where Eko, an eight-year-old Malayan tiger, was housed, in an attempt to get the animal to free the worker.
Video from a Florida police officer’s body camera shows how a cop killed and shot a tiger when it took the arm River Rosenquist (26) who had tried to care for it.
Eko (pictured), an 8-year-old Malayan Tiger, was struck by one shot and killed Wednesday night.
In an effort to save Rosenquist’s lives, the deputy made a failed attempt at shooting the tiger.
Eko may have been heart-gagging at the moment the fatal shot was fired. He then fled to the rear enclosure, where he later died.
Following allegations that Mr Rosenquist entered the enclosure with the tiger, deputies were called by the zoo at 6.26pm on Wednesday.
Preliminary investigations revealed he was supposed to be cleaning the restrooms and gift shop when he decided to enter an unauthorised area of the tiger enclosure and stuck his hand through.
It appeared that he was feeding the Tiger or petting it, two activities police declared to be dangerous and illegal.
Eko grabbed Eko’s arm, and then tried to get him in the enclosure. Authorities authorities intervened.
Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk released the following statement: “Our deputy tried everything possible to save that man’s life and ultimately made what was necessary.”
“This tragic incident occurred at our world-class Zoo facility. The Naples Zoo’s focus on education and conservation is a valuable partnership.
Rosenquist might now face criminal prosecution