Tigers translocated after man mauled
TWO Siberian tigers have been translocated from Gqeberha to the Free State after an 8-year-old male breached the fence of his enclosure and proceeded to kill a human.
The tigers were moved in an emergency rescue operation from Seaview Predator Park to Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary during a collaboration between NGOs The Aspinall Foundation and FOUR PAWS.
According to statements, the male tiger, named Jasper, breached the fence of his Seaview Predator Park enclosure on June 16 and proceeded to kill David Solomon who was working close by.
Jasper then breached the fence of a neighbouring enclosure where he killed another male tiger, to get to a female tiger who was in oestrus (heat).
The electric fences of Jasper's enclosure were not working as the park was busy with repairs.
The Aspinall Foundation and FOUR PAWS have extended their sincere condolences to Solomon's family and friends.
“After the tragic event, the management team of the park placed Jasper in a small holding facility on the same afternoon to manage the incident. The park then contacted The Aspinall Foundation to provide assistance in securing a new home for Jasper as the park was unable to ensure his safety.
“FOUR PAWS, which manages Lionsrock, confirmed that they were able to accommodate the tiger immediately and the operation was launched.
“The team decided that Jade, the 8-year-old female tiger (Jasper's sister), should also be surrendered, as they had been together their entire lives, which the owners of the park agreed to.
“Dr Annie Mears, a local vet who was appointed by the collaboration, treated Jasper on Sunday, June 20, for severe dehydration as a result of his confinement and the trauma sustained by him during the incident.
“He was further treated for minor injuries and underwent a full health check, to ensure that he was fit to travel, while the rest of the team made the necessary preparations for the move,” the NGOs said in a joint statement.