Asim, a seven-year-old male Sumatran tiger killed 10-year-old female Melati, after arriving as part of European-wide conservation breeding programme.
The fearsome pair were put together in London Zoo’s tiger enclosure, a 2,500sq metre enclosure called Tiger Territory which replicates their natural Indonesian habitat.
A spokesman for London Zoo said this afternoon: “Today, at ZSL London Zoo, we sadly lost our beloved Sumatran tigress Melati.
“This morning, our new male Sumatran tiger Asim was introduced to Melati for the first time.
“Since Asim’s arrival ten days ago, the two tigers were in adjoining enclosures, where they could see, smell and react to each other before being brought together.
“Following careful monitoring of the tigers’ reactions to each other since Asim arrived, zoo experts had observed obvious positive signs, and felt it was the right time to introduce seven-year-old Asim, and ten-year-old Melati.”
He added: “Their introduction began as predicted, but quickly escalated into a more aggressive interaction.
“Zoo staff immediately implemented their prepared response, using loud noises, flares and alarms to try and distract the pair, but Asim had already overpowered Melati.
“Zookeepers were eventually able to secure Asim in a separate paddock so that they could safely get to Melati where our vets confirmed that she had sadly died.
“Everyone here at ZSL London Zoo is devastated by the loss of Melati, and we are heartbroken by this turn of events.
“Our focus right now is on caring for Asim, as we get through this difficult event.”
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