Zookeeper mauled by tiger was 'shining light' who 'loved what she did'

Tributes have been paid to a “loved” and “passionate” zookeeper who was killed by a tiger in a “freak accident” at Hamerton Zoo.

Rosa King, 33, died after a tiger entered the enclosure where she was working at the Cambridgeshire attraction.

In a touching tribute, her mother, Andrea, said her daughter was dedicated to the zoo, where she had worked for 14 years.

“She wouldn’t have done anything else, it’s what she has always done, it’s what she has always loved,” she said.

Others described Ms King as a “lovely lady” who was “absolutely passionate” about the animals.

Garry Chisholm, a wildlife photographer, 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.

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

Police were called to the zoo at 11.15am on Monday to reports of a serious incident, and an air ambulance was at the scene 20 minutes later.

Visitors to the attraction were evacuated shortly afterwards.

Jeff Knott, who witnessed the incident, said staff had been a “real credit” to the zoo during the evacuation.

He added: “Staff were very calm and professional. All visitors around us were leaving in a very calm manner – no running, shouting or anything similar.”

The zoo said on Monday: “We are sorry but our staff are too distressed to speak directly to the media as one of our colleagues was killed this morning. This appears to be a freak accident.

“A full investigation is currently under way and we hope that more details can be announced as soon as possible. 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.”