Zookeeper at British wildlife park dies after being attacked by Sumatran tiger

5/25/2013
ASSOCIATED PRESS

LONDON — British police say a zookeeper who was injured in a tiger attack at an animal park has died.

Police say the woman, 24-year-old Sarah McClay, was in the big cats' enclosure at South Lakes Wild Animal Park in Cumbria when she was mauled by the Sumatran tiger on Friday.

The park's owner, David Gill, told the BBC that he did not know why McClay entered the tiger enclosure. He said McClay had worked at the park for several years and was "very proficient" in handling big cats.

McClay was taken to the hospital by air ambulance, but died later from her injuries.

Police said today they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.