Escaped Tiger Killed After Attacking Man in Germany

On May 18, 2026, police in Germany shot and killed a tiger that had escaped after attacking a 72-year-old man. This event occurred in an enclosure northwest of Leipzig, according to reports from CBS News and their partner BBC News. The man who was attacked was authorized to be inside the enclosure.

Police tracked the tiger down to a garden and decided to shoot the animal due to a lack of time to wait for a veterinarian. The area was crowded, increasing the risk to the public.

The location from which the tiger escaped is managed by Carmen Zander, known as Germany’s “Tiger Queen”. She was previously a circus tiger trainer. However, as noted by the animal rights group PETA, she lacked an animal welfare permit to keep big cats as of last year.

According to local media, Zander’s enclosure housed eight tigers. A local rescue center has offered to relocate the remaining animals.

Police reported receiving an emergency call about the incident in the early afternoon, and the decision to shoot the tiger was made to prevent further public danger.

PETA representative Peter Höffken commented on the incident, highlighting it as a predictable tragedy. Höffken criticized Zander for her negligent treatment of the tigers, particularly regarding safety measures.

In statements made in 2025, PETA had warned about the cramped and inadequate conditions that Zander’s tigers were kept in. Zander has not responded to requests for comment from CBS News.

Thomas Druskat, the local mayor, expressed concern over the potential danger, emphasizing that the enclosure must be shut down to prevent future incidents.

Carmen Zander promotes “exclusive tiger petting events” on her website, describing the chance to touch the powerful Bengal tigers as a “lifelong dream” opportunity.