The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
KILLED BY THE TIGER SHE LOVED
Major investigation after tragic death of keeper at Hamerton zoo
An inquest into the death of a zookeeper who was killed by the tiger she spent her working life caring for will wait until a police and council investigation has been completed.
Rosa King died at Hamer- ton Zoo on Monday after being attacked by the big cat in an enclosure.
Rosa (34) had been a respected senior keeper at the zoo, located to the north of Huntingdon, for many years, and friends said she had a passion for looking after animals.
A spokesman for the zoo described the incident as a ‘freak accident.’
Rosa’s mum, Andrea King said: “She wouldn’t have done anything else, it’s what she has always done, it’s what she has always loved.”
Garry Chisholm, (59), a wildlife photographer in his spare time who knew Ms King through visiting the attraction, said the zoo revolved around the keeper.
He said: “Rosa wasn’t just a keeper at Hamerton Zoo - she was Hamerton Zoo. She was the absolute central point of it, the focal point of it. She was the shining light of it. It revolved around her.”
Mr Chisholm added: “I feel privileged to have known Rosa and been able to call her a friend. She will be greatly missed, not just by me but by everyone who came to know her. The only consolation I can take from this tragic event is that Rosa is now reunited with her beloved Ares the cheetah and Blizzard and Ladybelle her beloved tigers.”
An investigation into how the tiger entered the enclosure with Rosa in it is being carried out by Huntingdonshire District Council - the licensing authority - and Cambridgeshire police. An inquest into her death is likely to be opened and adjourned next week.
Ch Insp Donna Wass said: “While there are no suspicious circumstances, the death of the zookeeper is still unexplained, and the police have a duty to report to the coroner, which is why the police investigation is ongoing.
“Huntingdonshire District Council have a responsibility for health and safety and licencing at the zoo and are investigating these aspects. This is why both parties are still involved and will work together on a joint investigation.”
Nigel McCurdy, for Huntingdonshire District Council, said: “The council sympathises with the family and friends of the zookeeper and offers its condolences.
“Both the police and the council are working together within routine protocols to progress investigations into the incident as efficiently and
Garry Chisholm ‘Rosa wasn’t just a keeper at Hamerton Zoo - she was Hamerton Zoo’
effectively as possible.
“Whilst those investigations are ongoing, it is inappropriate for the council to comment further.”
Hamerton Zoo said in a statement: “It is with huge regret that we confirm that Rosa King, a senior zookeeper who was an invaluable and highly respected member of our team, died on Monday morning after entering a tiger enclosure at Hamerton Zoo Park.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Rosa’s family and friends, many of whom worked alongside her at the zoo.”
Dozens of visitors were evacuated from the zoo when the terrifying incident happened. Spokesmen for emergency services and the zoo were quick to reassure people no animals had escaped, and visitors had not been hurt.
A spokesman for the zoo said the tiger has not been harmed. The spokesman added the attraction would be closed until further notice.