On May 18, 2026, police in Germany shot and killed an escaped tiger after it attacked a 72-year-old man, according to a report from CBS News. The tiger was reportedly owned by a woman who refers to herself as Germany’s ‘Tiger Queen’. The attack occurred in the animal’s enclosure located northwest of Leipzig. Local authorities confirmed the man was authorized to be in the enclosure.

Following the attack, the tiger escaped, prompting armed police to track it down. The animal was found in a garden and shot to ensure public safety. Police stated that waiting for a veterinarian was not viable due to the area’s busy nature.

The enclosure, situated in an industrial park in Schkeuditz, is operated by Carmen Zander, a former circus tiger trainer. As of the previous year, animal rights organization PETA revealed that Zander lacked a permit to keep big cats. The tiger in question was among eight under her care.

A rescue center has offered to rehouse the remaining animals. The incident prompted police to respond to an emergency call around 12:50 p.m. local time on Sunday, where they acted to prevent further public risk.

“A wake-up call”

PETA representative Peter Höffken described the incident as “a tragedy waiting to happen,” criticizing how authorities allowed the situation to develop. Previously, PETA had highlighted concerns over how Zander managed her tigers, citing safety issues. They described the enclosures as cramped and unsuitable for the animals.

Zander’s website advertises opportunities for the public to interact with these tigers through events she offers. The site portrays these animals as ‘tiger mice’, inviting visitors to touch and admire the Bengal tigers.

Local mayor Thomas Druskat told the Leipziger Volkszeitung that the incident is a stark warning, noting the potential dangers had others been injured. He advocated for the removal of the enclosures to prevent future occurrences.