Zoo Officials Support Deputy’s Decision To Kill Endangered Tiger

Zoo officials say they support a deputy’s use of force that killed Eko.

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Eko was an 8-year-old Malayan tiger, which are critically endangered.

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A cleaning services contractor climbed a 4.5 foot fence on Wednesday night.

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He entered an unauthorized area and stuck his hand in Eko’s cage to pet the tiger.

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The tiger bit the man’s arm between the hand and elbow and would not let go.

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Police have released body camera footage after they arrived on the scene.

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Police asked people standing nearby if they had tranquilizers, but they said no.

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A deputy shot the tiger one time and Eko later died from the gunshot wound.

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Many residents lamented the decision, saying it was an “unfortunate incident.”

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