A fight broke out between the tigers during the transfer between enclosures
Single zookeeper on duty, violating the "two-person team" management protocol
An investigation has found that the death of the female Siberian tiger "Miho" at Seoul Grand Park on the 18th was caused by the park's negligence in securing doors.
According to the park's own investigation report, which Lee Youngsil, a Seoul Metropolitan Council member from the Democratic Party of Korea, received from Seoul Grand Park on the 27th, Miho's death occurred during the process of moving the tigers between enclosures.
At the time, a zookeeper had called a tiger from the outdoor enclosure into the indoor enclosure. However, another tiger that was inside managed to enter the same indoor enclosure through a door that had not been locked. Miho was one of those tigers.
Miho and the other tiger, now together in the cramped indoor enclosure, began to fight. The zookeeper attempted to separate the two animals using a high-pressure hose and other means but was unsuccessful, and Miho ultimately died. The inadequate securing of the doors led directly to this fatal accident. A Seoul Grand Park official stated, "The specific movements of each tiger are still under investigation."
At the time, Seoul Grand Park was also found to have violated its own work guidelines. The process of moving tigers between enclosures is supposed to be managed by two zookeepers working together, but only one was on duty when the incident leading to Miho's death occurred.
Assemblywoman Lee pointed out, "This incident is not just a simple case of conflict between animals, but a matter that exposes repeated loopholes in the management system." She added, "Recurring accidents show that Seoul Grand Park’s disregard for safety has reached a critical point. There must be accountability and institutional improvements as a result of this incident."
Previously, on the 20th, Seoul Grand Park issued an announcement informing the public of Miho's death. Miho was born on June 6, 2013, to Rostov and Penza, Siberian tigers owned by the park, and lived at Seoul Grand Park for 13 years.
In its announcement, the park said, "We have had to say an all-too-sudden farewell to Miho, a beloved member of the Seoul Grand Park family." The park further described Miho as "a tiger who guarded the carnivore house and brought inspiration and happiness to many citizens with her ever-beautiful presence, as if she were a son. Most of all, she loved people, was affectionate, and always approached first to make eye contact and greet visitors - a truly special tiger who enjoyed bonding with people."
The park added, "Miho left us after a conflict with another animal. Even now, as we struggle to accept this sudden farewell, the warm moments Miho gave us will remain in our hearts for a long time." Seoul Grand Park will operate memorial spaces until March 1 at both the animal memorial monument near the South America Pavilion and the carnivore house where Miho lived. An online memorial has also been set up on the park's official website.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
