A tragic incident occurred at a Merseyside safari park when a female tiger was fatally bitten by her mate during a supervised breeding session.
Sinda, a 14-year-old Amur tiger, was killed instantly by six-year-old Miron while attempting to breed at Knowsley Safari in Prescot.
Miron, who has been at the park since 2020, had bred with Sinda without issue. However, this is not the first time he has been involved in a fatal incident. In 2018, while at Copenhagen Zoo, Miron fatally injured another female tiger.
Despite this history, he was still part of the European breeding program aimed at conserving endangered species.
On November 12, during what was expected to be a routine session, zookeepers monitoring the tigers saw no warning signs of aggression.
The session proceeded without incident until the fatal bite. Due to the speed of the attack, staff were unable to intervene, and Sinda died immediately.
Knowsley Safari released a statement expressing their sorrow over Sinda’s death. “We are heartbroken to announce the loss of our 14-year-old female Amur Tiger, Sinda, who sustained fatal injuries during a breeding session with our male tiger, Miron.”
They explained that the session had been carefully managed, with the expert team ensuring all safety protocols were followed. Previous interactions between Sinda and Miron had gone smoothly, with no signs of aggression.
“This incident unfolded too quickly for intervention, and Sinda died instantly from her injuries. She was a favorite among visitors and staff and will be deeply missed,” the statement continued.
The park emphasized that such incidents are common among big cats in captivity and the wild.
The park also addressed concerns regarding Miron’s behavior, stating that he had not shown any unusual aggression towards females during his time at Knowsley Safari.
They are now working with the European Breeding Programme to determine Miron’s future care and ensure his needs are met.
Amur tigers, also known as Siberian tigers, are an endangered species native to the far east of Russia and northern China.
There are fewer than 500 left in the wild, with their populations threatened by poaching and habitat loss.
In captivity, they can live up to 20 years, while in the wild their lifespan ranges from 10 to 15 years. These solitary animals typically weigh around 660 pounds and are among the largest tiger species.
The park is committed to providing the best care for Miron and the staff during this difficult time, as they consult with experts on the next steps for the breeding program.
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