Police Shoot Escaped Tiger After Attack Near Leipzig, Germany

A tiger was shot and killed by police after escaping from a private enclosure near Leipzig, Germany, on Sunday, leaving a 72-year-old man seriously injured. The incident occurred at a facility operated by animal trainer Carmen Zander, who is known as the "Tiger Queen."

Authorities said the tiger attacked a man inside its enclosure shortly after 1 p.m. local time. The victim, described as an authorized volunteer, was hospitalized with serious injuries. The animal then fled the industrial park in the Schkeuditz district, traveling approximately 300 meters to a nearby allotment garden complex.

Police tracked the tiger to the garden area. A spokesperson stated that given the public safety risk and the inability to safely evacuate the area, officers used firearms to kill the animal. The entire episode, from the initial escape to the shooting, lasted less than 30 minutes. Officials confirmed no other animals escaped and there was no further danger to the public.

The tiger, a nine-year-old male Bengal-Siberian mix named Sandokan, was one of several big cats housed at Zander's facility. The site has been the subject of longstanding scrutiny from animal welfare authorities and activists....