Image copyright Dudley Zoo Image caption Margaash, the eight-year-old snow leopard, was killed on 23 October, Dudley Zoo said

A snow leopard was shot dead after a zookeeper left the enclosure door open and it escaped.

Dudley Zoo said eight-year-old Margaash was killed after getting free on 23 October when the zoo had closed and all visitors had left.

An investigation found the door to the enclosure was left open at 17:00 BST through "keeper error".

A disciplinary procedure has taken place into those involved and security is being reviewed.

Once keepers saw Margaash outside, the zoo said its animal escape procedure was put in place and the firearms team managed the incident.

The zoo said the leopard was killed by a senior member of the firearms team with a single shot and did not suffer.

It added staff had no other option and the decision was taken in the interest of public safety.

Media playback is unsupported on your device Media caption Footage released by Dudley Zoo in February shows its two snow leopards in their enclosure

Zoo director Derek Grove said: "This was an incredibly sad incident and our staff are understandably heartbroken.

"Euthanasia is, and always will be, a last resort. Efforts to persuade Margaash to return to his enclosure failed and as the animal was close to surrounding woodland and dark was approaching, the vet did not believe a tranquiliser dart was a safe option due to the amount of time the drug takes to work.

"Safety of the public is always of paramount importance and our staff are highly experienced and rigorously trained."

Image copyright Dudley Zoological Gardens Image caption Margaash, eight, had been at Dudley Zoo since 2011

The zoo is located in the centre of Dudley, next to Dudley College of Technology and close to a number of shops and houses.

It said it had notified people who had "adopted" the animal and had informed all the keepers so they could explain the situation to visitors.

Margaash was born at Banham Zoo in Norfolk in May 2010 and was transferred to Dudley Zoo in September 2011, where he lived with three-year-old female Taïga.

He was the father of a snow leopard cub that died at the zoo in 2013.

The Snow Leopard

Image copyright Getty Images

Snow leopards are endangered and there may be as few as 4,000 left in the wild

Estimates of their numbers in the wild are difficult because the animals are highly elusive

They are native to Central Asia

Its main prey are ibex, argali and bharal (Himalayan blue sheep)

Snow leopards measure between about 55 and 65cm (22 - 26in) tall and 90 to 115cm (36 - 44in) in length

They have been known to live for up to 22 years in captivity but in the wild their life expectancy is more like 10 to 12 years

Information Source: Snow Leopard Trust

Image copyright Google Maps Image caption Dudley Zoo is on Castle Hill, close to the centre of the town

The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) said it was "saddened" to hear of the death.

It added: "The zoo has informed our association that all the necessary procedures and protocols with regards to an animal escape were followed at that time, including informing their local authority, a requirement of the Secretary of State's standards of modern zoo practice.

"Following the incident we understand that the zoo has carried out a thorough internal investigation with a view to implementing any changes that they feel may be required."

The Snow Leopard Trust said: "As fellow animal lovers, our thoughts are of course with the Margaash, the snow leopard that was tragically killed - but also with the staff and volunteers of Dudley Zoo, who must be in shock and grief.

"We do partner with many zoos around the world to raise awareness and share expertise when possible. We believe zoos play an important role in wildlife conservation, both as a major funding partner and as a point of contact to animals for millions of people.

"It's a great loss, and we hope the necessary measures will be taken to avoid any such tragic situation in the future."

A spokesman from the Born Free Foundation said: "While this is a sad incident that is undoubtedly very distressing to those who cared for Margaash, it brings into sharp focus - once again - that zoos simply cannot guarantee the safety of people and their animals.

"There will be those who claim that zoos contribute to conservation: whether or not these claims hold water the captive life and unfortunate death of a snow leopard at a zoo should serve to remind us just how we are failing wild animals wholescale, both in captivity and in nature." </s> The tragic zookeeper mauled to death by a tiger today at a Cambridgeshire zoo has been named.

Rosa King, 33, was killed when one of the centre's four tiger got into an enclosure where she was working at Hamerton Zoo Park, near Huntingdon.

Desperate colleagues tried hurling meat towards the tiger in a bid to distract it but Rosa could not be saved and was declared dead at the zoo.

“She would walk in the cheetah cage and play football with them. She was at home with them.”

Her screams for help were heard by Pete Davies, 55, who was there with his partner and son.

“We were at the tiger enclosure and there was a guy who was ahead of us with a camera taking photos of animals," he said.

“He was in the next closure, he came running past us really quickly. Then he came back with a few zoo keepers to the viewing area of where the tiger was, and then we heard a girl screaming and another one said run to us so we found a small room and stayed there until it was safe to leave.

“The zoo keepers had their heads in their hands, and didn’t know what to do, throwing meat over the enclosure to entice the tiger away. They shouted stuff.

“It went on for too long. Then we were ushered out and left."

Police and the ambulance service were called to the zoo at 11.15am this morning.

A statement from Hamerton Park Zoo read: “This appears to have been a freak accident.

“A full investigation is under way and we hope that more details can be announced as soon as we are able.

“At no point during the incident did any animals escape their enclosures, and at no point was public safety affected in any way.

“All our thoughts and sympathies are with our colleagues, friends and families at this dreadful time."

The zoo is a 25-acre wildlife park that has about 500 animals including monkeys, cheetahs, raccoons, sloth and a collection of Malaysian tigers and white tigers.

Hamerton will be closed for tomorrow (May 29) at least while investigations continue. </s> In this Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, photo, Georgina, an endangered snow leopard, watches as her new twin cubs play in their enclosure during their public debut at the Los Angeles Zoo, in California. The elusive snow leopard _ long considered an endangered species _ has been upgraded to "vulnerable," international conservationists said Thursday. But experts warned the new classification does not mean the big cats are safe. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) </s> A keeper killed in a "freak accident" after a tiger entered the enclosure she was in has been described as the 'shining light' of the zoo where she worked.

Rosa King, who has been named in reports as the Hamerton Zoo Park keeper who died on Monday, was a 'lovely lady' who was 'absolutely passionate' about the animals in her care, a friend said.

Garry Chisholm, 59, a wildlife photographer in his spare time who knew Ms King through visiting the attraction in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, said the zoo revolved around the keeper.

Mr Chisholm, from Irchester, Northamptonshire, told the Press Association: 'Rosa wasn't just a keeper at Hamerton Zoo - she was Hamerton Zoo.

'She was the absolute central point of it, the focal point of it. She was the shining light of it.

'It revolved around her.'

Police were called at 11.15am on Monday to reports of a serious incident at the zoo.

A Magpas air ambulance was on the scene 20 minutes later and visitors were evacuated from the attraction just before midday on Monday.

An East of England Ambulance Service paramedic crew and two rapid response vehicles also attended.

Mr Chisholm said: 'Her passion for the animals in her care was exceptional though her favourites were undoubtedly the cheetahs which she would refer to as her pride and joy.

'I feel privileged to have known Rosa and been able to call her a friend.

'She will be greatly missed, not just by me, but by everyone who came to know her.

'The only consolation I can take from today's tragic events is that Rosa is now reunited with her beloved Ares the cheetah, and Blizzard and Ladybelle, her beloved tigers.'

The zoo said it appeared to have been a 'freak accident' and it would remain closed on Tuesday as an investigation continues.

It said: 'At no point during the incident did any animals escape their enclosures and at no point was public safety affected in any way.

'All our thoughts and sympathies are with our colleagues, friends and families at this dreadful time.'

People took to social media to express their condolences following the keeper's death.

One user posted on Twitter: 'Terrible news about the keeper at Hamerton Zoo. Such an awful shock for everyone RIP.'

Another wrote: 'A zookeeper sadly died earlier today at Hamerton Zoo. So tragic, their life was taken too soon. RIP.'

Cambridgeshire Constabulary said the tiger involved was believed to be fine, as Twitter users expressed fears over what would happen to the animal.

Witness Jeff Knott, 32, from Cambridgeshire, said staff had been 'a real credit' to the zoo during the evacuation.

He told the Press Association: 'We had been in the zoo since about 10.30am and heard/seen nothing until asked to leave about 11.45am.

'Staff were very calm and professional. All visitors around us were leaving in a very calm manner - no running, shouting or anything similar.' </s> A Scottish woman who was knifed to death while working at a holiday resort in Finland has been named.

Rebecca Johnson from Burntisland was found dead by police at the weekend.

The keen dog-sledder had been working with the Santa Safari company providing Christmas-themed trips to Lapland.

Police have arrested Rebecca's 36-year-old boyfriend on suspicion of killing the Scot after police mounted a manhunt into the wilderness in difficult sub-zero conditions.

A relative of Rebecca in Burntisland last night spoke of the family's devastation.

Her great-aunt, Val Laing, told The Courier : "Rebecca was a beautiful girl.

“I had come home from Edinburgh when her grandad was on the phone to tell me what had happened. I couldn’t take it in at first.

“For her parents and grandparents to lose her just before Christmas is devastating.

“I’ll be there for them, but I don’t know how they are going to cope.”

Business owners in the Fife town who knew her also described Rebecca as a “princess”.

Friends have been taking to Facebook to speak of their shock at what's happened.

Ashley McFall said "I really hoped this wasn't true."

Santa Safari said yesterday : “We are deeply saddened to confirm that a member of the Santa Safari team was discovered dead on December 3.

“We are all in shock from this tragic news and our thoughts go out to her family.

“Our team is working closely with the Finnish Police and relevant authorities to support the investigation that is now underway.

“It goes without saying that we will do everything we can to support the family and our staff at this incredibly difficult time.”

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office also confirmed the young woman’s death.

A spokesman said: “We are supporting the family of a British national who died in Finland on 3 December.”

British workers typically stay in the region – which is 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle – in peak season from late November to January.

Just a few hours earlier that day a mayor and two female journalists were killed after being shot in the head by a man with a rifle in the southern Finnish town of Imatra.

The victims were outside a restaurant at midnight when they were shot in the head and torso by the man.

Mayor and two journalists shot dead outside restaurant by 'man with sniper rifle'

Police apprehended the shooter and the restaurant Vuoksenvahti, in South East Finland, has been cordoned off.

One of the victims has been named as mayor of Imatra Tiina Wilén-Jäppinen, who was "on a normal night out" with the other two women, local newspaper Ilta Sanomat reports.

Tiina, in her 50s and a mother-of-two, was said to be a "long-term influence" to the people of the town.

The alleged gunman was standing in front of a parked car outside of the restaurant when police arrived.

Police say they do not yet know the alleged shooter's motive for the crime but do not believe he knew the victims.

Health officials said they had opened a crisis center in the town.

Police are due to hold a press conference this afternoon.

Imatra has 28,000 inhabitants and is about 140 miles from Finland's capital, Helsinki. </s> In this Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, photo, an endangered snow leopard cub explores it's enclosure the Los Angeles Zoo, in California. The elusive snow leopard _ long considered an endangered species _ has been upgraded to "vulnerable," international conservationists said Thursday. But experts warned the new classification does not mean the big cats are safe. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) </s> Staff at Woburn Safari Park say they’re devastated after its entire troop of 13 Patas monkeys died in a fire which broke out in their enclosure – just days after several animals were killed in a blaze at London zoo. Officials said although staff and firefighters rushed to the scene in the early hours of this morning, it’s thought all the monkeys had already died before they arrived. </s> A tiger killed a zookeeper in an enclosure at Hamerton Zoo Park in the hamlet of Steeple Gidding, near Cambridge, United Kingdom, on Monday morning, according to a post on the Cambridgeshire Constabulary's Facebook page. The animal never escaped its enclosure, and the incident is not deemed suspicious, police say. </s> A devastating blaze has killed 13 monkeys living at a safari park when a roof collapsed - just 10 days after five animals died following a fire at London Zoo.

The fire ripped through the winter enclosure at the Woburn Safari Park for more than two hours and killed all of the Patas monkeys inside.

The building where the monkeys spend their nights in the cold winter months was virtually completely destroyed by the fire at the park in Bedfordshire.

It comes just days after blaze broke out in the animal adventure section at London Zoo on December 23, which killed a nine-year-old aardvark and four meerkats.

The park today confirmed it is investigating what caused the fire and the Jungle enclosure will be the only part which will remain closed.

The Patas monkeys are the park's most-loved animals because they often climb on cars as visitors drive through and staff are said to be devastated today.

Animal lovers were quick to share their sadness after hearing that the 13 monkeys had perished in the fire.

Martin Underhay wrote on Twitter: 'This is so sad. We love monkey world and so sad to see so many of these incredible animals being killed at Woburn.'

Siobhan @Mum-to-4 said: 'Really sad to read this. We always loved seeing the monkeys at @Woburn-Safari. Thoughts with everyone dealing with this. Poor monkeys.'

Pam Graney added: 'So so so sad only down the road from me. Horrid news to wake up to.'

Some users were quick to criticise the park for caging the animals.

@Fiendish-Swine wrote: 'Woburn Safari Park fire: Thirteen monkeys killed, another reason why animals should not be caged up in a zoo, firstly London Zoo now this shame on the owners.'

However, responding to the comments on Twitter, @AsherRD28 said: 'Anyone that has been to @Woburn-Safari knows what a great park it is. This is just a terrible freak accident.

'Animals there are very well looked after and people forget that they have taken in numerous endangered animals from around the world, so many negative people quick to blame.'

Usually the Patas monkeys are allowed to freely roam around their 16-acre enclosure but they were seeking shelter from the cold weather when the fire started.

Emergency services were called at 2.37am on Tuesday after staff spotted the blaze during a routine patrol of the African Forest drive-through area.

They rushed to the scene but none of the 13 animals inside could be saved.

The Patas monkeys are housed in their enclosure during the winter months but have 24/7 access to the site in the summer.

A spokesman for the safari park confirmed it is open today and said: 'In the early hours of Tuesday January 2, a fire broke out in the Patas Monkey house within the African Forest drive-through enclosure of the park.

'Staff and fire crews attended the scene, however devastatingly for everyone at the park, none of the thirteen animals could be saved.

'All other animals within the jungle drive-through enclosure are being monitored, but early signs suggest that they have not been affected.

'An investigation is under way into the cause of the fire and whilst the park will remain open, the Jungle enclosure will remain closed for investigation.

'The park is grateful to the quick response from Bedfordshire Fire Brigade, who attended with three appliances.'

Fire crews were able to put the fire out at 4.46am and firefighters said 90 per cent of the building was damaged.

A Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue spokesman said: 'Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service attended a fire at a monkey enclosure at Woburn Safari Park at 2.37am this morning.

'When firefighters from Woburn and Dunstable Community Fire Stations arrived along with the water carrier from Toddington they found the outbuilding housing Patas monkeys was well alight and its roof had fallen in.

'They fought the fire using fire hoses while wearing breathing apparatus to protect themselves from the smoke and fumes. The building was 90 per cent damaged by the fire.

'The fire was spotted by security guards on a routine patrol. There were a number of fatalities amongst the monkeys housed in the building. The incident was closed at 4.46am.'

In March 2000, an entire colony of Rhesus Macaque monkeys were culled by six marksman after tests revealed that they were carrying the Simian herpes B virus at the park.

It comes after a blaze broke out in the animal adventure section at London Zoo on December 23, destroying the cafe, shop and around half of the adjacent petting zoo.

Misha, a nine-year-old aardvark, died from smoke inhalation, while four meerkats were also thought to have perished.

It is not yet known what caused either the London Zoo fire or the Woburn Safari Park blaze.
Margaash, an eight year old snow leopard, is shot dead by staff at Dudley Zoological Gardens, England after escaping its enclosure.