Media release

21 September 2015

SPCA applauds decision not to euthanise Oz the tiger

Hamilton Zoo has made the right decision not to euthanise Oz the male Sumatran tiger for killing Hamilton zookeeper Samantha Kudeweh, according to the Royal New Zealand SPCA.

“The SPCA wishes to extend its heartfelt condolences to Samantha Kudeweh’s family and colleagues. As an organisation we recognise what a profound human tragedy this incident has been and we are deeply shocked by what has occurred,” says Ric Odom, CEO of the Royal New Zealand SPCA.

“Having said that, the SPCA must also take into account the welfare of Oz the tiger. We are therefore relieved to hear that Hamilton Zoo has decided not to euthanise him in response to this attack.

“We congratulate the zoo for moving swiftly to preserve this precious example of a critically endangered species.”

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