Three Big Cats Poisoned to Death at Indonesian Zoo

 Aug 28, 2013

 

 

JAMBI, Indonesia (AP) - An investigation is under way after authorities determined that an endangered Sumatran tiger and two African lions found dead at an Indonesian zoo had eaten poison-tainted meat.

The male tiger and the lions - a male and a female - were found dead Aug. 17 at Taman Rimbo Zoo in Jambi province on Sumatra island. The animals were around 3 years old.

Nurazman, an official with the local Conservation and Natural Resources Agency, said Wednesday that autopsies showed they died from poison.

Nurazman, who uses a single name, said they were believed to have eaten meat tainted with a chemical used to kill rabies-infected dogs.

He said a 2-year-old female tiger also consumed the meat but survived.

Zoo officials have questioned six people, and police have also launched an investigation.

source