Tiger that killed Florida zookeeper threatened by caller

Published: Updated:
(Palm Beach Zoo / MGN)

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) – Police are investigating a threat against a tiger that killed a Florida zookeeper.

The Palm Beach Post reports the Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society notified police about a threatening call Monday.

According to a police report, a man said, “We will handle it ourselves,” to a receptionist who wouldn’t discuss whether the male Malayan tiger that killed Stacey Konwiser had been euthanized.

Zoo spokeswoman Naki Carter declined comment to reporters Wednesday. Carter read a statement from Konwiser’s husband, who said Konwiser would want the zoo “full of visitors and supporters.”

In an online statement, the zoo defended tranquilizing the tiger Friday. The statement says the zoo considers human safety, the configuration of the area and whether a bullet could ricochet when deciding whether to shoot or tranquilize an animal.

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