Tiger fatally mauls Indonesian caretaker at resort

MALACCA: A senior caretaker died three hours after being mauled by a tiger at a resort in Alor Gajah near here.

The victim, a 34-year-old Indonesian, died at the Tampin Hospital.

In the 2pm incident, the tiger – which the victim had handled for eight years – suddenly attacked him when he went in for a routine feeding session.

The resort management said in a statement that medical attention was given by the resort emergency team and the victim was then rushed to Tampin Hospital.

“This was a rare and unfortunate incident and the family members of the victim have been notified,” it said.

According to the statement, the family had requested that the victim not be named.

It said the other caretakers had not determined what caused the impulsive attack.

“The management will not put down the animal but will observe its behavioural change for now,” it added.

Meanwhile, Malacca National Park and Wildlife Department director Norzakiah Anon said the department would probe the incident.

“We have to check on the condition of the tiger or whether it was negligence on the part of the resort that prompted the attack,” she added.