Female Tiger Kills Mate at El Paso Zoo

Officials with the El Paso Zoo said a female tiger killed her mate about 4 p.m. Thursday.

Seri, a 3-year-old female Malayan tiger, unexpectedly killed Wzui, her mate, in the tiger exhibit.

Officials said both tigers were seen playing and being affectionate on exhibit Thursday morning.

Zoo staff immediately closed the exhibit and zoo veterinarians called as soon as the incident was reported. Zoo veterinarians checked Wzui’s vitals and found that he was unresponsive. Wzui was 6 years old

An ABC-7 viewer, who was at the zoo Thursday, witnessed the incident and was able to take some photos that show Seri with her jaw locked on Wzui’s neck.

“We are deeply saddened about this loss. This is an emotional time for zookeepers and staff who have built a special bond with Wzui. Tragic incidents such as this are not unheard of but we don’t consider this common. Wzui will be greatly missed,” zoo Director Steve Marshall said.

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