The San Diego Zoo said Monday that a female Malayan tiger was fatally mauled by her intended mate during an attempt to breed.
The female tiger, named Tiga Tahun, died Saturday of neck injuries and breathing difficulties, the zoo said. It was the first breeding encounter for either animal, the only Malayan tigers at the facility. No visitors saw the attack.
“(The encounter) began with positive interaction between the two big cats. Unfortunately this changed quickly and zookeepers were unable to separate the two animals,” the zoo said in a statement.