A rare and endangered Sumatran tiger fatally bit one of its keepers during a routine cleaning of its enclosed habitat in Poland just days before an international event, according to USA Today.
Reports from various news outlets detail that the Wroclaw Zoo employee was killed "on the spot" upon entering the tiger's enclosure Wednesday morning, according to NewsMax.
"The employee was mortally wounded by the predator while he was cleaning its cage. The 58-year-old man died on the spot," said Kamil Rynkiewicz, a spokesperson with the Wroclaw police.
The Polish zoo employee had 20 years experience in zoo keeping, 15 of which were said to be with the dangerous and rare creatures, according to Sky News.
Prosecutors are investigating the gruesome death, although zoo official Radoslaw Ratajszczak said it "appears likely that human error is to blame."
The Wroclaw Zoo was set to host an international conference for zoo directors on Thursday, but it is uncertain now whether the zoo will continue with its plans.
"It is the saddest day in my life," said zoo director Radoslaw Ratajszczak, according to News OXY.
Some people are also worried about the safety of the tiger connected to the mauling. There has been no news on whether the endangered animal will be put down.
